ASIA/NEPAL - Former Maoist rebels prepare to govern the country

Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) - From rebels to rulers: the April 10 general elections in Nepal have rewarded the Maoist movement that has spent years working against the nation’s monarchy. The Maoist now have the absolute majority in Parliament, a fact that will change the face of the country, abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic. According to the first results released, the Maoists have a great advantage, both for the places assigned in the majority system (240), as well as for those assigned in the proportional system (335).
The leader of the “Nepal Communist Party” Prachanda, declared that among the priorities for the new political platform would be “agriculture reform and the end of the feudal system that for over half a century has impoverished farmers and has only filled the pockets of the king’s friends.”
In this era of great change that the country is living through, the Maoist movement, that has taken root among the poorest sectors of the society, is on the verge of becoming Nepal’s most important party. This movement accepted a cease-fire agreement two year ago, entering to form part of the country, following the popular revolt in Spring of 2006 that shut off King Gyanendra from the country’s political life. Among the party’s priorities are: education, health, social development, and judicial system reform, however, according to analysts, relations with China and India will play a key role, as they are the Nepal’s two large neighboring countries with a great interest in its political stability. Analysts affirm that the influence of China has been a determining factor in the present Maoist victory. Parchanda, in his post-electoral speech, said, “As Maoists, we confirm our commitment to carry out the peace process and to establish the country as a multi-partisan democracy, with healthy relations with both India and China.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2008; righe 24, parole 301)