I n d e p t h    A n a l y s i s
Democrats oppose elections

Kathmandu: What happens if elections do not take place? What happens if people's representatives are not elected to parliament to form a people's government? Quite obviously the answer is a non-elected government, which unchecked by a popularly elected opposition can border on "authoritarianism". When cornered with these questions at a private media gathering called by the Communications minister Dr. Mohammad Mohsin, the Kantipur publication's representatives eked out the obvious answers from the cabinet spokesman.

The question is not why Dr. Mohsin made the statement. The question is rather why the publication chose to highlight this answer? The contents of the major part of the press tête-à-tête on the current situation in the country remained uncovered by this media. The coverage regarding the obvious answer provided grist for a controversy that evidently was deliberate and slanted.

Dr. Mohsin, a chairman of the now defunct Upper House who was the only Speaker in the past decade of the multi-party parliament to resign from his party, the RPP, in order to assume this essentially non-partisan constitutional post democratically is the only non-party member of the current government. Inordinately, the partisan media highlighted his inclusion in the cabinet as an evidence of Palace hand in the making of the current cabinet. It was forgotten in the process that his inclusion in aministerial post, a peg down from his elected constitutional stature, makes an attempt at representing the near defunct Upper House in what is supposed to be the nearest thing as yet to a national government genuine.

Dr. Mohsin is being portrayed more as a Palace spokesman that the cabinet spokesman for reasons thus that are all too obvious.

Particularly one major stream of the mainstream parties denies the possibility of the elections taking place in the current situation. This major stream sees no alternative to the revival of the dissolved parliament for the restoration of their notion of democracy. It is not altogether hidden that this notion of democracy demands that Supreme Court edicts against the revival of a duly dissolved parliament can be overturned by the King on the pre-emptory plea of democracy. What is hidden however, the leadership of the parties making this claim have never succeeded in winning governments democratically without a sitting government. Moreover, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba if allowed to preside over the elections will ruin the chances of his congress rivals to woo back disgruntled workers currently with Deuba with the fruits of government.

Clearly, the desperation increases. Increasingly the government will be made to have authoritarian designs. And the media will be a willing tool.

What Mohsin said was the obvious. Without elections, the authoritarianism that will creep in should provoke elections. What is happening in the guise of democracy though is that elections are being opposed. Directly by the Maoists no doubt but indirectly by the democrats too. This is the Nepali irony.

Mohsin's bombshell stuns the nation
Alleges media for distortion

Kathmandu: King Gyanendra through an announcement released on the eve of the constitution day, Monday 8 November, last week expresses his total and unconditional commitment for a constitutional monarchy and the multi-party democratic order.

On Wednesday, November 10 afternoon, two days hence the King's admission of his unwavering support to the order now in place, Dr. Mohsin, the government's spokesman in Deuba's cabinet throws a bombshell that not only created panic among the so called democrats but did send spine chilling waves in the minds of the media men as well thinking what would happen next should Dr. Mohsin's presumption come true?

Dr. Mohsin's psychotherapy of the country's situation was such that any thing could happen the next moment should the prevailing situation continued for long.

Analysts would have shelved for good Dr. Mohsin's reiteration dubbing it as a wild analysis had it not been loaded with meaning. However, certain hypothesis did not allow Kathmandu's political pundits to dismiss the government's spokesman's reiteration altogether. The fact is that there has been a tittle-tattle in Nepal that Dr. Mohsin is a Royal nominee in Deuba's cabinet and hence whatever he said at a press gathering last Wednesday could have been a sort of message from the Palace to the countrymen, more so to the political parties to come to terms with the monarch or else face the consequences.

However, high placed sources say that the monarch neither could ventilate such warning signals through any minister in the cabinet nor he nourishes a desire to do so given his own strong commitments for the consolidation of the system existing in the country today. Matured analysts say that the King can't afford to go on the lines of what Dr. Mohsin said given the present day international trend in favor of democracy.

In effect, Dr. Mohsin hinted the media men present at his office on Wednesday that should all the options fail; the country might have to embrace unwillingly a sort of authoritarian rule, which might not be in the larger interest of the nation.

What would also be interesting to note is that what Dr. Mohsin wanted to articulate and in what fashion he did ventilate his concerns on the country's political situation and finally how the media took his statements and later how those were interpreted.

Not surprisingly, Nepali media too possess a political tilt that suits to their political interests and more often than not pens stories that suit to their political inclinations. But then yet, it would be altogether a sort of crime to dump all the charges on the media for having blown up Dr. Mohsin's alarming statements made on that fateful day.

The media too has a limit to fabricate the statements. The media can't create news of its own unless some one speaks on those lines.

The fact is that in Dr. Mohsin's untamed analysis he could see the danger of an authoritarian rule in the country should the elections were rejected for long; should the Maoists exhibited their reluctance for talks with the establishment and should the law and the order situation continued to deteriorate as it stood today.

Looking at his baffling analysis as it is, nonetheless, analysts point out some hard facts contained in the spokesman's justifications he cited in front of the press.

The fact is that the country must go in for polls. The country can't be denied with an elected parliament for long. The country needed peace and can't be left to the mercy of the Almighty.

It will take some more time to ascertain as to whether Dr. Mohsin's expressions were deliberate or just the otherwise. Nevertheless, the ground reality is that the country can't remain in the status quo.

As is the practice in Nepal, Nepali leaders twist their previous fiery and objectionable statements when scathing criticisms follow by stating that the media "distorted" their version and that they did not say those objectionable languages. Keeping the notorious tradition alive, Dr. Mohsin too preferred to escape the allegations that he as a minister in the cabinet had exceeded his political limits.

"In fact I had hinted that authoritarianism had already sneaked in the countryside wherein the Maoists rule supreme", is how Dr. Mohsin defends himself now. I never told or hinted that the King will take over the charge of the country on his own shoulder, adds Dr. Mohsin in his bid to defend himself and the King as well.

Be that as it may, Dr. Mohsin was in the glare of publicity throughout Tihar festivals. Though he has tried to explain the real meaning in what he said to the press, however, the countrymen continue to debate over the veiled meaning, if any, in Dr. Mohsin's alarming message aired calculated or otherwise prior to the Deepawali festivities. More interesting is the Cabinet's reported approval of Dr. Mohsin's alarming message sent last Wednesday. The cabinet apparently approved Mohsin's version to hint the countrymen that the present establishment had no alternative and that if this set were to collapse, worse scenario might follow. In saying so, the cabinet indicates that this government was competent and credible enough to declare elections and to hold talks with the Maoists as well. However, the tragedy with this government is that neither it can hold elections nor the Maoists were willing to talk with this government.

The political stagnation continues.

Intl. community sees King's role in peace process

Kathmandu: For the first time perhaps the Heads of Mission of EU, United States, Australia, Norway, Canadian Cooperation Office, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UN have reiterated in a statement issued on November 11 that the Maoists insurgency was not a "political force".

A close look at what they have said last week does amply hint that they now conclude that the insurgency that claimed that it was a political force was not the one as per its claim. For example, the statement which reads in part says that, "we strongly condemn Maoist use of tactics such as the 9 November bomb attacks in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and throughout Nepal. Such acts of violence clearly violate international norms, and no legitimate political force would resort to such tactics to achieve political goals". This sentence clearly implies that the Maoists insurgency were not also a legitimate force to what they claim.

A grand departure from the old past indeed. A change in the EU's policy towards the insurgency is distinctly clear.

Moreover, the press release issued November 11 does also speak of the need for a sort of constructive determination on the part of all concerned in order to make a conducive environment for negotiations and dialogue. There is nothing new in it in the sense that the EU and the rest of the major international donors have repeatedly been saying so and have ever supported the need for a dialogue.

The statement in addition appeals indirectly the Deuba government to "uphold the offer for peace talks" IN saying so the EU and the rest of the signatories of the press release wish the government to exhibit more flexibility for the talks with the Maoists and thus urges the establishment to continue with the ceasefire declared at time of the festivals for more longer period so that the other camp too followed the suit.

The press release dated November 11 is very important and significant in the sense that it has for the first time drawn the attention of the Royal Palace and that of the Royal Nepal Army to come forward with a joint approach in order to face the challenges posed by the insurgents.

"We strongly appeal to the Government, the political parties, the Royal Palace and the Royal Nepal Army to commit themselves to a joint approach in this respect" is what the statement reads. In making such an appeal the EU nations and the donor agencies indicate that all major stakeholders including the Palace and the RNA must come closer in order to find a viable and amicable solution to the conflict. The hidden message that could be drawn from this appeal is that the divergent views acquired by various forces in Nepal vis-à-vis the Maoists issue too could have been retarding the conflict management process. What is significant is that the EU appeal for the first time recognizes the authority of the King and presumes that the King factor can't be dismissed in the given scheme of things in Nepal. Nevertheless, the appeal in itself is very positive in the sense that it has tried to accommodate all in the peace process.

The press release urges the Maoists to positively respond to the government's offer for talks without any delay.

The full text of the press release follows: "The Heads of Mission of EU, United States, Australia, Norway, Canadian Cooperation Office, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UN strongly condemn Maoist use of tactics such as the 9 November bomb attacks in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and throughout Nepal. Such acts of violence clearly violate international norms, and no legitimate political force would resort to such tactics to achieve political goals.

We strongly urge all parties to work constructively and with determination towards creating an environment conducive for negotiations and dialogue. The resumption and apparent escalation of violence after the Dashain holidays clearly works contrary to creating such an environment and only serves to continue and prolong the suffering of innocent Nepalis.

The Heads of Mission of EU, United States, Australia, Norway, Canadian Cooperation Office, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UN jointly reiterate the EU's 29 September statement calling on the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to respond positively and without delay to the government's invitation to begin talks. We urge the Government to uphold the offer for peace talks. At the same time, we strongly appeal to the Government, the political parties, the Royal Palace and the Royal Nepal Army to commit themselves to a joint approach in this respect.

The Heads of Mission of EU, United States, Australia, Norway, Canadian Cooperation Office, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UN reaffirm their offer of full support to a peace process.

Koirala's third presidency!

Kathmandu: President of the Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala, upon his return from a weeklong trip to China addressed a press conference last week, which must not have been taken by his party colleagues in a good taste.

President Koirala told the press men that he has told his party colleagues, more so those who were willing to run for the next congress presidency that if they wished the post, they should come forging a sort of consensus for the candidacy.

The fact is that those who are eying the next presidency were doing so on their own and hence question does not arise to come to a consensus as demanded by Koirala.

Congress watchers say that this proposition of Koirala is a ploy to frustrate the temptations of those aspirants who have declared that they would run for the presidency this time of the elections.

Koirala, however, did not mince words in hinting that he would be a logical candidate for the next presidency should his friends fail to forge a consensus amongst themselves for the candidature of the congress presidency.

This meant that Koirala has a desire to get himself elected as the next president of the party immaterial of his instructions and suggestions to his party men.

In the race for the congress presidency are Ms. Shailaja Acharya and Ram Chandra Pokhrel.

That Koirala suspects the very credentials of his own party colleagues becomes clear from his statement made on that day wherein he said "what would happen if the new presidency, other than himself, exhibited a tilt either towards the Palace or the Maoists?

This means that Koirala suspects both of the aspirants for the post who might strengthen the hands either of the palace or those of the Maoists. This further means that he would not tolerate the congress party going to the folds of the palace or for that matter of the Maoists.

In saying so, Koirala suspects that the candidates who have so far declared their candidacy could have a tilt either for the palace or for the Maoists. Koirala however does not specify as to who could be those willing candidates who might prefer to obey to the dictates of the palace or of the Maoists.

All put together, president Koirala appears to be in a mood to shoulder this onerous task for the third time as well.

The message is loud and clear.

How Koirala's party colleagues have taken his rather insulting remarks would have to be carefully watched.

NSET receives award

Kathmandu: National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), Nepal — a non-governmental organisation— has been awarded with this year’s ‘Tech Museum award’ under the `Microsoft Education Award’ category for its low-tech innovation called ‘Shake Table’ to reduce hazards from earthquake.

According to NSET, executive director of NSET Amod Mani Dixit received the award amidst a ceremony organised at San Jose, Silicon Valley, California on Thursday.

"Selection as the Laureate of Tech Museum Award is a witness of the success of the efforts of NSET in implementing earthquake risk reduction initiatives in Nepal, and recognition of our efforts in bringing in the fruits of science and technology to the doorsteps of the common man so that he/she could use it for reducing the ever-increasing vulnerabilities to natural hazards," said Dixit, upon receiving the award. "He said it was a moment for pride for NSET as well as Nepal." 

National Society for Earthquake Technology - Nepal (NSET) has been selected as a Laureate for the Tech Museum Awards 2004. The Tech Museum Awards honor innovators and visionaries from around the world who are applying technology to profoundly improve the human condition in the categories of education, equality, environment, health, and economic development.

"The Tech Awards laureates are pioneering appropriate technology solutions to aid so many people, but it’s the ease with which their innovations can be scaled and replicated elsewhere that will continue to truly make this world a better place," said Tech Museum President and CEO Peter Giles.

Expedite governance reforms: ADB

Kathmandu: The visiting ADB Vice-President Liqun Jin expressed the hope that Nepal could achieve a lasting peace to enable the country to focus on the challenging reform and development agenda of the Tenth Plan.

Mr. Jin was speaking at the end of a three-day official visit to Nepal, where he met with senior Government officials, development partners, civil society, media, and private sector representatives. He will return to Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday.

"ADB is concerned about the conflict and its adverse impact on Nepal’s development," Mr. Jin said. "This has become the most serious impediment to sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. ADB hopes the Government will continue its efforts toward achieving a lasting peace. This is vital to achieve the economic and social progress Nepalis aspire to."

In his meetings with Prime Minister Sher B. Deuba and senior officials in Government, Mr. Jin stressed the need to expedite governance reform since it is central to many of the challenges Nepal is facing. In particular, he stressed the need to make economic growth more broad based and inclusive, and strengthen anti-corruption efforts further. He assured continued support for Nepal’s development and poverty reduction.

"ADB’s new Country Strategy and Program for Nepal for 2005-2009 proposes to continue ADB’s strong support to achieving Nepal’s social and economic development goals," He said. "Up to 50% of ADB’s assistance could be provided as grant beginning in 2005, if there is significant progress on governance reform and practices." He also assured that "ADB stands with Nepal at this critical time, and remains committed to enhance its assistance should peace be restored. "

Highlighting the full alignment of ADB’s new County Strategy and Program with the Tenth Plan, Mr. Jin welcomed the Government’s strong focus on outcomes and improving the effectiveness of development assistance.

Mr. Jin exchanged views on the development challenges facing Nepal in his consultations with civil society and private sector representatives. He emphasized the importance of economic development and good governance to lift the country from poverty.

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance.

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