Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) - On the day that 17 million voters of Nepal cast their electoral votes, setting in motion what could be the beginning of a radical change in the nation’s history, the organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) launched an appeal asking that the elections today (April 10) may not become episodes of violence, threats, and intimidation, in hopes of a new climate of respect for human rights in the country. The vote could serve as the election of an assembly that would have as its main objective to offer the country a new Constitution and install the republic, placing an end to the hereditary monarchy, represented by King Gyanendra, whose family has been in power since 1760.
With the elections, Nepal is being offered a great opportunity to emerge from the tunnel of a civil war that has lasted over 10 years already, in a struggle with Maoist rebels in some regions of the country. It has been a bloody conflict that has created more insecurity among citizens and has had a negative effect on tourism, as well as on the economy and development in general.
Although recent days have been characterized by numerous violent episodes, including several deaths and injuries, “these incidents should not discourage or eclipse the democratic effort that is being carried out in Nepal,” said K.B. Rokaya, Human Rights Commissioner in Nepal and Secretary General of the National Council of Christian Churches in the country.
“Nepal,” says CSW, “is on the road to democracy. The delay on the path has been a source of doubt for many observers, as to the positive success of the peace process, however, the essential part now is that the country continue down this road, leaving aside violence and working towards a better future.” The organization has proposed a “code of conduct” in all social sectors, respecting the principles of dialogue, tolerance, diversity, mutual respect, and peace in order to overcome any conflict. “Our hope is that these elections may lead us to a country that is renewed and strengthened in democracy, a Nepal where the human rights of every person are protected, without discrimination of class, religion, ethnic origin, or gender.”
In the last ten years, the Maoist rebels have fought a long and bloody civil war against the “feudal” power of the monarchy and due to the conditions of extreme poverty, many youth have joined their ranks as guerrilla soldiers. In 2005, King Gyanendra decided to declare a state of emergency, assuming all powers himself. The reaction was a giant nationwide revolt. The main parties ended up signing an agreement with the rebels in order to launch a common party platform. Once signed the agreement, the guerilla soldiers abandoned their armed fight and establishing a political party that today seeks to become the foremost political power in the nation. Today the country will decide on the life of the monarchy, one of the issues that the new government assembly will have to face. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/4/2008; righe 38, parole 495)
