Asia
Nepal PM cornered as Maoists, communists unite
Kathmandu | November 02, 2007 1:05:07 PM IST
The special session of parliament debating Nepal King Gyanendra's fate promises to turn into a major embarrassment for Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who despite leading the largest party in the government, has been cornered by a new alliance of Maoists and communists. After parleys with the Maoists failed, a vote is expected Friday, when the debate resumes for the fifth consecutive day. Ahead of the vote on Thursday night, Maoist chief Prachanda succeeded in wooing the second largest party in the government and Koirala's biggest rival, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), as well as another left party that too is a minor partner in the government, People's Front Nepal. The rebels already have two more small left parties as their allies. The Maoists, who left the government in September, are calling for the immediate abolition of Nepal's 238-year monarchy and a fully proportional election system, which will improve their chances at the election. Koirala has rejected both demands, partly due to pressure from the international community and partly due to fears that an election conducted on a fully proportional system would see the UML gain ground. Nepal's major donors, especially India, have cautioned him not to seal King Gyanendra's fate through the parliament session since it is not an elected parliament. Instead, they have been urging him to hold the twice-stalled constituent assembly election at the earliest. After the parties failed to reach an agreement, parliament is likely to witness a historic election Friday when legislators will vote on the royal Shah dynasty's fate. It is almost a foregone conclusion that the Maoists will lose. Though they are the second biggest party in parliament with 84 MPs and now have the support of the UML, that has 83 MPs, they still need 44 more votes for the two-third majority. With Jana Morcha's four legislators now supporting them as well as three more from the two minor left parties, they have 174 votes in a house of 327 MPs. However, they are not going to get 44 votes more unless Koirala's men defect. With 132 MPs in the house, Koirala's Nepali Congress can make or break any vote in the house and it has already instructed its members to vote against the Maoist proposal. However, even if the Maoists lose the house vote, it will be a moral and political victory for them. "With more parties in the ruling alliance supporting the immediate abolition of monarchy, it will put moral pressure on the Nepali Congress," said Radheshyam Adhikari, a Nepali Congress MP. It will also throw a challenge to Koirala's leadership. Already fast losing credibility both at home and abroad due to his failure to hold the election, rein in corruption and improve the security situation, Koirala will also face pressure from the Maoists and communists to quit. However, the ambitious prime minister is not likely to relinquish power. In that case, the debate will continue when the normal session of parliament starts Nov 19, when the Maoists and communists will once again try to gain two-third majority. While the impasse continues, the dissidents could also think of bringing a no-trust motion against Koirala in parliament. Till the deadlock is broken, Nepal will be unable to take any major decisions, sign new treaties, approve hydropower projects or decide other issues of national importance. Also, it will not be able to hold the crucial election.ss/mj/jg (IANS)
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