CJ-led Government-36

Siddhi B Ranjitkar

Nepal has held the elections to a new constituent assembly on November 19, 2013. The Election Commission, the government, and the political parties have performed splendidly to make the elections a success. The flawless elections have been possible with the cooperation of all stakeholders including the voters. Local and international election observing agencies have reported that the elections have been free and fair. The international community including the neighboring countries has congratulated the government of Nepal on holding the elections successfully, and has committed to provide Nepal with assistance. However, the UCPN-Maoist has demanded the suspension of the election process stating irregularities in the elections but the Election Commission has continued it.

The grand success of the Election Commission in holding the elections to a new constituent assembly on November 19, 2013 is the victory of the Nepalese people in general, and the Interim Election Council of Ministers Khilraj Regmi and his team of ministers mainly comprising the former top civil officials in particular, and certainly of the political parties that have opted for holding the elections, and for forming a neutral government under the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal Khilraj Regmi for holding the elections. It also is the grand failure of the so-called 33-party alliance headed by the CPN-Maoist that has been boycotting the elections, and even trying to disrupt the elections until the last minutes of balloting. The cadres of the election-opposing political parties have been helpless to do anything significant to prevent the people from going to the polls except for setting bombs at some places, and setting them off at a few places. However, voters did not deterred by such incidents. The turnout of voters has been 65% in Kathmandu and 80% in Dolpa, and some other districts.

All people involved in holding the elections smoothly deserved congratulations and appreciation for their tireless work done to this end. First, the Election Commission deserved the congratulations on managing the elections, and on holding the election peacefully, and on making sure that eligible voters have the voters’ identity cards that have helped to avoid any claim for irregularities in the elections. Then, the government headed by Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi deserved congratulations on making full security for holding the elections peacefully. The security has been the model for all to follow in the future. The government in general and the home ministry in particular deserved congratulations on foiling the 10-day shutdown called by the 33-party alliance headed by the CPN-Maoist to disrupt the elections, and providing voters with full security.

After the completion of the elections, the Election Commission held a news conference in Kathmandu on November 19, 2013. Speaking at the news conference, Chief Election Commissioner Nilkantha Uprety has said that the smooth holding of the elections is the victory of the Nepalese people. He also said that the average turnout of voters has been 70%; counting of votes would bee done as soon as the ballot boxes reaches the administrative headquarters. Replying to the question concerning the money spent on elections, Chief Election Commission Uprety has said that the Election Commission has received the budget of Rs 7.5 billion, and has anticipated to spent about Rs 5 billion on the elections; the money has been spent mainly on creating the election materials, transport of them, and paying allowances to the election officials.

The State-run media such as Radio Nepal, Nepal TV, and other private TVs deserved congratulations on reporting the voting activities from different parts of the country. The Radio Nepal deserved special congratulation on continuously reporting on the election activities starting at 6:00 AM and ending on 6:00 PM on November 19, 2013. The reporting has been flawless and unbiased. It has its reporters at various constituencies. They have continuously monitored election activities all over Nepal. The anchor of the Radio Nepal also contacted the top civil officials of the Government of Nepal monitoring the election activities in various districts, and aired simultaneously what they have to say on the ongoing elections. Some of the private TVs have focused mainly on the minor incidents of bombs found elsewhere, and one bomb went off at Bhote Bahal in Kathmandu, and spent a lot of time reporting on this matter.

In a statement released from his secretariat, Chairman Khilraj Regmi has thanked all the people for defying the call of shutdown by an insignificant group, and participating in the elections, and making the elections a success; this is one step ahead in institutionalizing the federal democratic republic of Nepal. He also thanked all political parties, the security, the media persons, civil society, professional organizations, and the international community.

Speaking at the news conference, spokesman for the home ministry Shanker Koirala has said that the elections have been held peacefully throughout the country; only a few incidents have happened in some places. For example, bombs went off at 16 places, and 32 bombs like items were found at different places; 25 people were injured; and 37 people were taken under control for taking legal actions; a bomb went off at Bhote Bahal in Kathmandu injuring a child.

The home ministry has mandated the election officers certain power of controlling riots to cope with any possible violence at the polling centers. Thus, the home ministry has taken every possible measure to maintain peace and security at the polling centers.

The Radio Nepal has been airing the notice of the Election Commission from the early morning on the day of elections that voters should not take with them any camera or cell phones to the polling centers. This has been done to counter the rumors spread by the local media that some political parties have asked their voters to take the pictures of the ballot papers they have marked for voting.

National Election Observation Committee headed by former Chief Election Commissioner Surya Prasad Shrestha has fielded election observers all over the country. It has said that elections have been held all over Nepal smoothly. Violation of the election codes of conduct has been observed at about 50 places. Other election observing agencies such as National Election Observation Council, General Election Observation Committee–Nepal, and Election Observation Committee-Nepal have observed the election at various polling centers, and have said that elections have been fair and free.

The international election observation agencies such as Carter Center, European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), and Asian Network For Free Election Foundation have said that elections have been held free and fair in the areas they have observed. In their reports they have said that the elections have been held smoothly, freely and fairly; and the elections have been one of the milestones in institutionalizing a democratic republican setup in Nepal.

None of voters did show up at the Thawang polling center of the Rolpa district. Not only they did not show up at the polling center but also they have gone elsewhere, leaving children and senior citizens only in the villages. Whether they have done so voluntarily or forcibly not known, according to the news aired by the Radio Nepal on the Election Day. This is the only polling center where voters have boycotted the elections. The 33-party alliance headed by the CPN-Maoist has been boycotting the elections.

At the news conference held at the Parisdanda party headquarters in Kathmandu on Thursday morning, November 21, 2013, spokesman for UCPN-Maoist Agni Sapkota has said that the UCPN-Maoist has demanded to take the election process ahead only after reviewing the process in its totality, as there has been a conspiracy and irregularities in the elections; the UCPN-Maoist would not participate in the constituent assembly if the entire election process were not to review, as visible or invisible irregularities in the elections have happened in the country in a planned way. The spokesman has said that incidents of suspicious happenings while transporting ballot boxes, accepting the ballot boxes with broken seals, and unusually high number of ballot boxes found at the ballot-papers-counting places have been clear indication of irregularities in the election process that distorted the people’s expression in the elections.

Immediately after the news conference of the UCPN-Maoist, the Election Commission also has held a news conference, and Chief Election Commissioner Nilkantha Uprety has said that the spontaneous expression of the voters in the elections has been making public in the form of election results through the independent and correct process, and urged all people to believe in it. Chief Election Commissioner Uprety has said that the Election Commission has held the news conference after the UCPN-Maoist has demanded to suspend the election process stating the counting of votes has not been as anticipated.

The early results of the vote counting have placed the UCPN-Maoist at the third place; both the NC and CPN-UML have been competing for the first and second places. The legendary leader of the UCPN-Maoist Prachanda has lost the election at the constituency number 10 in Kathmandu. However, former Prime Minster Dr Baburam Bhattarai won the elections in his home district Gorkha but his spouse also leader of the UCPN-Maoist Hisila Yemi has lost the election in the constituency number seven in Kathmandu. Senior leader of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal won the elections both in Kathmandu and his home district Rautahut. Previously, he had lost the elections in both the places. Another senior leader of CPN-UML Bamdev Gautam won the lections in two constituencies in far western Nepal. None of the UCPN-Maoist candidates won the elections in the Kathmandu Valley. Out of the 10 constituencies in Kathmandu, NC candidates have won in seven constituencies, and CPN-UML has in three constituencies.

The early unfavorable election results to the UCPN-Maoist can be attributed to the three things such as 1) it has lost the link with the grassroots level people, and it could not keep even its cadres happy, 2) the CPN-Maoist split away from it, and 3) most of its sympathizers turned away from the UCPN-Maoist, and they must have voted for CPN-UML.

The UCPN-Maoist leaders have thought that no matter what they would do voters would favor them. So, voters wanted to teach the UCPN-Maoist leaders how they needed to behave if they were to receive their votes. Nepalese people have been highly politically sensitive and they are penalizing the politicians that have not behaved, as they should.

The CPN-Maoist has been boycotting the elections. Naturally, the leaders of the CPN-Maoist did not want to see the UCPN-Maoist winning the elections. Defeating the UCPN-Maoist in the polls has been the effective boycotting of the elections for the CPN-Maoist leaders. Certainly, defeat of the UCPN-Maoist in the elections has been the victory for the CPN-Maoist.

Most of the voters that have been sympathizers to the Maoists must have turn away from the UCPN-Maoist, and voted for the CPN-UML. They have voted for the CPN-UML not for their good deeds for the bad deeds of the UCPN-Maoist. The success of the CPN-UML in the polls is the failure of the UCPN-Maoist.

UCPN-Maoist leaders have no choice but to accept the elections results. They could not boycott the elections after having the unfavorable results. They could go to the Election Court if they were to find any irregularities in the election process. They would be well off having strong evidences of irregularities in the election process before going to the Election Court.

If Chairman of UCPN-Maoist were not to accept the elections results then it would be his third grand mistake in his political career. The first mistake he had committed was not accepting the offer of the United Madhesi Democratic Front for sharing the positions of the president and the vice-president letting the position of the president slip away from his hands immediately after the elections to a constituency assembly in 2008. The second striking mistake was to going to the polls not only leaving behind the faction of his party but also letting them boycotting the elections effectively.

Winning and losing elections are the regular lives of the politicians. In the elections to the constituent assembly in 2008, leaders of the CPN-UML and the NC have shed tears for losing the elections. This time, it is the turn of the UCPN-Maoist leaders to shed their tears for losing the elections. Probably, after two years next elections would be held if the NC and CPN-UML were to keep their words made in their elections manifestoes. So, the UCPN-Maoist would have a chance to show their performances in the elections.

Former US President Jimmy Carter has been in Nepal to observe the elections held on November 19, 2013. He visited two polling centers in Bhaktapur. He has good impression of how the elections have been held. However, he has said that he has been sad because of the UCPN-Maoist demanding for suspending the election process. He also has said that he has met with Vice-chairman of UCPN-Maoist Dr Baburam Bhattarai, and Dr Bhattarai has assured him of the UCPN-Maoist accepting the people’s verdict given at polls, the ‘gorkhapatra’ of November 22, 2013 writes.

In a press conference held in Kathmandu on Thursday, November 21, 2013, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said that the Nov. 19 election was conducted remarkably well, especially in the face of attempts of the boycotting parties to disrupt the process through violence. Though the historic second CA election held on last Tuesday witnessed largest turnout of the voters, there were doubts over the successful holding of the election due to the anti-election activities conducted by an alliance of 33 political parties. Carter the head of the Carter Center however expressed sorrow over the announcement of Chairman of UCPN-Maoist Prachanda’s statement to boycott the election. "I am very disappointed to hear of the UCPN-Maoist’s rejection of the counting process and withdrawal of their party agents," Carter said during a press conference. "I trust that they will respect the will of Nepali voters as expressed on Election Day. They must refrain from violent protest, and I urge them to allow the electoral process to continue." The Carter Center pleaded all parties and groups to act peacefully and to respect the evident desire of Nepali citizens to continue the political transition and to come to an agreement on a new constitution. Carter had arrived in Nepal on Saturday leading a team of 50 election observers from the Atlanta-based Carter Center to monitor the elections. (Source: Xinhua)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated the people of Nepal on the peaceful and successful elections to the Constituent Assembly. In a statement issued in New York on November 21, 2013, the spokesman for the Secretary General has said that the turnout of voters has shown their determination to take the peace process forward, and the new constituent assembly would have the historic responsibility for completing a new constitution, building upon the impressive gains in the peace process so far, and thereby promoting national dialogue and genuine reconciliation. The United Nations has remained committed to supporting Nepal in its transition toward a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future, he said. (Source: RSS news on Gorkhapatraonline.com)

In a statement published in Washington DC on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 by the Communication Officer at the White House, the United States has congratulated the people of Nepal on holding elections to the constituent assembly on November 19, and has stated that these elections mark a vital step in the peace process that began in 2006. Elections like these are a milestone not just for Nepal but also for people around the world working to rebuild after conflicts and resolve disputes via constitutional and homegrown means, it stated. The Nepali people endured years of civil war, in which innocent civilians were the victims of violent extremism and terrorism; since the end of the conflict, Nepal has made vital progress toward supporting civil society, promoting the participation of women and youth, and becoming a pluralistic democracy that can support the dreams and aspirations of all the Nepali people. As Nepal’s newly elected leaders turn to the important task of concluding a constitution, the United States will continue to support Nepal’s progress along a peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and democratic path. (Source: RSS news on Gorkhapatraonline.com)

In a press release issued in Kathmandu on November 21, 2013, the CPN-Maoist has said that a national consensus is still indispensable on resolving the political crisis in the country. Chairman of CPN-Maoist Mohan Vaidhya said that a national consensus was the need of the hour for resolving all problems. The press release stated that the peace process could in no way get completed by forcibly prohibiting one of the forces involved in the people's war, and violating the mandate given by the people's war and the people's movement. He said that the people of Thawang VDC in the Rolpa district set another new record in the history by effectively boycotting the elections to the extent of making the ballot box empty. (Source: RSS news on Gorkhapatraonline.com)

In the separate statements issued by the Indian and Chinese embassies in Kathmandu on Tuesday evening, November 19, India and the People's Republic of China have welcomed the successful holding of the elections to the constituent assembly in Nepal on November 19. The two neighboring countries said that the CA election was an important step toward realizing political stability and development. Both the neighboring countries pledged to continue to work with Nepal for the development in Nepal.

The successful conduct of free and fair elections today in Nepal for the Constituent Assembly-cum-Parliament is an important step toward realizing the Nepal's goal of a democratic and prosperous future, said the statement issued by the Indian embassy. The government of India has lauded the people of Nepal, political parties, the Government and security forces and the Election Commission of Nepal for holding the CA election successfully. The impressive turnout of voters reflects the faith that the people of Nepal have reposed in the democratic process, it read.

Likewise, the statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu said, "As a friendly neighbor of Nepal, China welcomes that the constituent assembly election of Nepal was smoothly held, and sincerely hopes that the political forces in Nepal could continue to strengthen dialogue and consultations for the early completion of the constitution-making process and realization of national stability and development. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Nepali side to push forward the consistent development of China-Nepal Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-Lasting Friendship for the benefit of the Chinese and Nepali people."

The Indian government has also recalled the logistic support it provided for the smooth conduct of the election. "India believes that the early promulgation of a new Constitution reflecting the aspirations of the people of Nepal together with progress on the development agenda would contribute to peace, prosperity and stability in Nepal. As a close friend and neighbor, India stands ready to support the Government and people of Nepal in their historic endeavor," said the statement of the Indian Embassy. (Source: RSS news on Gorkhapatraonline.com)

The Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Aston also congratulated the Nepali people on successfully holding the elections to a constituent assembly on November 19, 2013. “I congratulate the people of Nepal for having exercised their right to vote in large numbers, despite attempts to prevent them from doing so,” Aston said in a statement issued on Thursday, November 21, 2013, adding that the polls marked a further step in the consolidation of Nepal’s democratic transition. She was confident in the constituent assembly assuming its responsibility and promptly completing this crucial task, “so that the political stalemate can be overcome, legitimate and effective institutions put in place and local elections held as soon as possible.” “The EU looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with Nepal with the aim of supporting the country’s social, economic and democratic development,” the statement added. (Source: Nepalnews.com)

November 22, 2013