Pre-Election Violence in Nepal
Rival Political Parties Engage in Violence and Intimidation
Ongoing pre-election violence in Nepal is raising serious questions over whether the country is equipped to provide adequate security for the polls.
On April 10th Nepal will hold elections to form a constituent assembly. Nepalese are eagerly waiting for the election day although recent increase in violent activity targeted against the candidates have raised serious questions over whether the country is equipped to provide adequate security for the polls.
Kunda Dixit, veteran Nepali journalist, expressed concern over the violent activities through his article at the Nepali Times. He says that “the recent escalation of campaign violence was not totally unexpected, but what is worrying is that it seems to be part of a deliberate plan to derail elections two weeks before polling date.”
Young Communist League’s Wrath
Candidates and activists of major political parties in the country-Nepali Congress, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist and Leninist) have been at the receiving end of the Young Communist League’s (YCL) wrath, a youth outfit of the Maoists, for past couple of weeks.
Last week, former minister Bal Bahadur KC was attacked while campaigning in remote district of Solu. On Monday afternoon a Nepali Congress candidate and couple of party members were attacked by around 200 YCL members in Rasuwa district.
Maoist leaders meanwhile have accused the media of selective coverage. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also know as Comrade Prachanda, is quoted as saying that the media is paid by “foreign powers” to spread lies about the Maoists.
YCL is Not the Only Culprit
Although the YCL has been involved in more acts of violence and intimidation, it is not the only culprit.
On Tuesday morning activists of Jana Morcha party burned down office of Communist Party-United in Kavre district. Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) attacked journalists covering campaign events in Sunsari district.
Agreement to Honor Election Code of Conduct
Concerned by rising violence, the Election Commission and United Nations Mission In Nepal (UNMIN) Chief Ian Martin have urged the political parties to stay calm and work towards holding a peaceful, free and fair elections.
Following this, three major political parties including the Maoists agreed on Tuesday to stop violence and support peaceful campaigning.
Jimmy Carter to Visit Nepal
Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn are scheduled to visit Nepal on April 7th. They will be leading an international team of election observers, Dr. Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, former deputy Prime Minister of Thailand will also be in the team.
Former US president’s Carter Center launched an election observation mission in Nepal in March 2007. Their field office is in capital Kathmandu.
