Nepal

Note No. 780                                     Dated 07-Apr-2017

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

In an incident on 7^th April at Maleth in Saptari district, the Police opened fire on a group of Madhesis who were protesting against the convening of a rally led by former Prime Minister K.P.Oli and the UML in their programme of “Mechi to Mahakali.”  This rally was supposed to mobilise the public for the coming local elections on May 14 that was being strongly opposed by the Madhesi front.  

Note No. 779                                    Dated 02-Mar-2017

By Dr. S.Chandrasekharan

On 21^st February, after a marathon Cabinet Meeting, Prime Minister Dahal announced that the Local Body Elections will be held in May 14 in one go.  The elections were last held in 1997.

Note No. 778                                   Dated 17-Feb-2017

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

Recently, Prime Minister Dahal declared that Local bodies elections are an urgent need of the country.  Yet there appears to be no immediate chance of elections being held. 

It is known to all that the three layers of elections- namely local bodies, regional/state level and the Federal Elections will all have to be held before 21^st January 2018.  It is mandatory and the constitution does not permit any extension.

Note No. 777                                  Dated 04-Jan-2017

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan.

It is more than a year and a half that the new constitution was promulgated.  Yet there has been no progress at all in implementation as the parties are still quarreling over reconfiguration of different provinces.

Note No. 776                                    Dated 12-Dec-2016

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

After much dilly dallying and hesitation, the main Madhesi group SLMM- Samyukta Loktantric Madhesi Morcha agreed to accept the new amendments to the constitution which in their view addresses three of their concerns-namely citizenship, representation in the Upper house and on the working language in the provinces.

Note No.  774                                  Dated 23-Nov-2016

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

Everything appears to be in a “stand still” position in Nepal.  No consensus could be reached on the promised constitutional amendments and the Terain-Janajathi outfit- the Federal Alliance has given an ultimatum to renew the stir in fifteen days if nothing is done.  Nothing is likely to be done either and we can expect more ultimatums to follow.

Note No. 773                                   Dated 02-Nov-2016

By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan

Riding on a popular wave of nationalism and anti Indianism, the UML led by K. P. Oli appears to be calling the shots.  They have the numbers and no amendment to the Constitution is possible without their support.