National 1 (Spotlight Weekly)

Meaningful Message

The monarch's address to the civic felicitation in Biratnagar injects new hope in the country, but it remains to be seen how his message is translated into action

By KESHAB POUDEL

Directly addressing tens of thousands of people at Biratnagar, the center of eastern Nepal, King Gyanendra has reaffirmed his commitment to multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy, urging all political forces to join hands for the development of the country.

Despite the opposition of the country's two biggest political parties and a two-day bandh called by the CPN-Maoist, King Gyanendra was felicitated in Biratnagar by a big crowd demonstrating strong faith in the monarchy.

In the absence of the House of Representatives, the current government is running the country by issuing ordinances, which is uncommon in the modern-day world. The king's message indicated the possibility of early elections to put the country back on the democratic track.

In his half-hour address, King Gyanendra expressed his strong faith in multiparty democracy, constitutional monarchy and nationalism. He urged all concerned parties to help bring normalcy to the country, paving the way for all-round development.

As the leaders of the two big political parties are on nation-wide tours urging the people to raise their voice against the palace's actions since the dismissal of the Sher Bahadur Deuba government on October 4, King Gyanendra, using mild words resonating with strong meaning, tried to convince the people that he would abide by the rule of multiparty democracy.

Since the King has gestured positively toward democracy and conciliation, some political parties remain hopeful. "We must see the Royal message as guidelines to settle the country's problems," said Pashupati Sumsher Rana, newly elected president of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

"There are positive elements in the King's message, but we will carefully monitor how future steps will be taken to bring the political process on the right track. If the government announces the election date, we will provide all necessary support," said Hom Nath Dahal, spokesman of Nepali Congress (Democratic).

Others are less sanguine. "You cannot predict the actions and intentions of the King on the basis of his message and its meaning. One must see how he will act to translate his commitment," said the political analyst. "I am not on the extreme end like Girija Prasad Koirala, or Madhav Kumar Nepal nor over-enthusiastic like RPP president Rana," he said.

"In a situation when there is misunderstanding and uncertainty over the political process, King Gyanendra has chosen a conciliatory line. The King - who does not have the privilege of addressing mass meetings and civic receptions - must avoid confrontation and contradictions."Although there is still a dispute raging over the wisdom of holding civic receptions and the monarch directly addressing the people, King Gyanendra's visit to the eastern part of the country, including Terathum and Biratnagar, has sent the message to the international community that Nepal is still safe state.

Just three kilometers north of the Nepal-India border, the King spent more than two hours acknowledging felicitations from different ethnic groups. It also indicated that the violent Maoist insurgency has its limitations.

It is too early to make predictions on how events might unfold, but the government is considering all-party consultations to fix the election date. "We will fix the election date soon after convening the all-party meeting," said Deputy Prime Minister Badri Prasad Mandal. "There will be both local and national elections."

With Nepal passing through a very difficult phase amid growing violence, joint efforts of the monarchy and political parties are vital. Although the Lokendra Bahadur Chand government - comprising members of small parties and individuals who have broken away from major parties - is yet to make an effort to bring political forces on one platform, King Gyanendra's address has given clear guidelines.

The leaders of country's bigger political parties, who are on whirlwind nation-wide tours, are yet to make a formal response, but it seems King Gyanendra's message has pacified them to a large extent. At a time when there is extensive debate over his political role and actions, King Gyanendra has stayed clear of controversy and confrontation by giving a meaningful message to the people and political parties.