Politics

Tuesday, 3/4/08

 

Political Update

 

Election Countdown – 36 days

 

Numerous small political parties have spoken against the February 28 signing of agreement between the government and the United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF). They include three parties from the Seven Party Alliance – People's Front Nepal, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and the left front who claim that the government accepted the concept of "one Madhesh, one Pradesh" due to pressures from India. Armed groups in the Terai have also rejected the agreement. Janatantric Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) – Jwala Singh has since detonated a pressure cooker bomb at the residence of a Nepali congress candidate.  JTMM-Rajan Mukti (a faction of Jwala Singh) publicized a programme to oppose the CA election.

 

Following the agreement, two groups –Rastriya  Prajatantra Party – Nepal (now headed by Kamal Thapa, who used to be the home minister during King Gyanendra's rule) and Nepal Sadvabana Party – Anandevi have decided to participate in the polls.

 

Another accord was signed between the government and the Federal Republic National Front (FRNF) comprised of various ethnic groups on Saturday, March 1, after FRNF withdrew demands for a fully proportional electoral system for the CA polls. The accord promises to take into consideration Limbuwan, Khambuwan, Tamangsling, Tharuhat as well as indigenous nationalities, Dalits, marginalized groups as well as history, geography, culture, and economic prospects while forming federal zones.  However, one member of the alliance, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Bishwas has called the accord a betrayal and vowed to keep up protests until the constitution is revised to include a fully proportional election system.

 

Sixteen more parties including members of UMDD ( Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party, Madhesi People's Rights Forum and Sadvavana Party) have submitted closed list for the 335 seats to be proportionally represented. In total, 55 parties have submitted their lists. The deadline for filing under first past the post system is March 6.

 

Meanwhile, in rest of the world…

Russians decide to stay on the course charted by Mr. Putin and elect Dmitry Medvedev as the new president. Mr. Putin will now become the prime minister. Opposition groups called the elections a 'farce' due to widespread irregularities.