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Context
Nepal’s elections
Importance
This is the first election under the constitution promulgated in September 2015
Political instability
Inconclusive elections in the past have been a reason for the political instability that has plagued Nepal since it embarked on the process to become a democratic republic
Beyond political stability
Political stability alone may not ensure the country’s smooth transition to a parliamentary democracy. The transition is a process and all the stakeholders will need to make it inclusive and ensure transparency and accountability at every stage
Truth and reconciliation committee: A Farce?
An important component of the peace agreement signed by the Maoists and the government was the promise of redress to victims of the decade-long civil war. Accordingly, a truth and reconciliation committee was set up to deal with human rights violations during the period and 61,000 cases were filed before it. However, not one case was investigated as the Maoists insisted on a general amnesty and refused to cooperate with probes into rights violations. A democratic framework that compromises on the delivery of justice to citizens is unlikely to win the trust of the people
Concerns for India
The hostility the left alliance has displayed towards India during the election should worry New Delhi.
Pro-China Agenda
The alliance must also reflect on whether it is in Nepal’s interest to push a visibly pro-China agenda, considering the historical relations between India and Nepal.
