Nepal Elects First President
World’s Youngest Republic Gets a New Leader
Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, a physician by training and Nepali Congress party’s general secretary defeated his closest rival, Maoist candidate Ram Raja Prasad Singh by a margin of 26 votes. Monday’s runoff elections were held after both the candidates failed to get clear majority on Saturday July 19th polls.
About Dr. Yadav
Son of a farmer, Dr. Yadav was born in Sapahi village of Dhanusha district. Following then prevalent tradition, he was married at a young age and had a child before he finished high school. On a sad note, his wife died of bone cancer in 1982 just months before his beloved leader and Congress party stalwart Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala succumbed to cancer.
He received medical degree from a university in Kolkata, India. His long association with the Congress party dates back to 1967, when he was a medical student in India.
During the historic people’s revolution in 1990, Dr. Yadav was arrested and sent to prison for almost three months. He was elected to the parliament twice-1991 and 1999 and lost 1994 elections. Seen as very close to his party’s establishment, Dr. Yadav served two terms as health minister in Nepali Congress lead government.
Unhappy Maoists
The week didn’t start very well for the Maoists. First their candidate for Vice President lost to Paramananda Jha, a candidate of small regional party- Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF), then the bloody blow. Their candidate, Ram Raja Prasad Singh, who was seen as a front runner early on was defeated by Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. Maoists are upset and are blaming Nepali Congress, smaller regional parties and the Communist Party of Nepal(United Marxist and Leninist)(UML) for endangering Nepal’s fragile peace and democratic system. They are painting their defeat a result of conspiracy.
Maoist, who won majority of seats during Constituent Assembly elections held during May of this year, had expected to win the presidential elections and then form a new government. With this loss, they have decided not to form or participate in the post election government.
Uncertainty Remains
Although election of president and vice president has brought a level of stability in Nepali politics, ongoing confusion and bitter infighting about who is going form the new government is not helping the situation. With the Maoists opting out, Nepali Congress, UML and regional parties are locked in a struggle to lead the country. As a result of the uncertain environment, Nepal’s economy and internal security situation is suffering. Various aid agencies have reported about food shortage in the country and possibility of famine in some remote districts. In parts of the troubled region of Terai, residents still don’t feel safe.
