Nepal’s Major Political Parties Demand Reinstatement of Dissolved Parliament

In a significant political development, Nepal’s leading political parties have united to call for the reinstatement of the parliament, which was dissolved by President Ram Chandra Poudel in the wake of violent anti-corruption protests. This demand comes amidst a backdrop of escalating unrest that has seen over 50 individuals killed in clashes between protesters and riot police.

Context of the Protests

The unrest in Nepal was ignited by a controversial government decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including popular services such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This ban, implemented last week, was met with widespread outrage, leading to mass protests that quickly evolved into a broader movement against perceived governmental corruption and mismanagement.

On Friday, President Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives at the recommendation of newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. This decision was reportedly a key demand from protest leaders, who sought immediate changes in governance. However, the dissolution has been met with fierce criticism from eight major political parties, including the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML), and the Maoist Centre.

Political Parties’ Response

On Saturday, the eight political parties issued a joint statement condemning the president’s actions as unconstitutional. They argued that the president’s decision to dissolve parliament contradicted the legal precedents established by Nepal’s judiciary. The parties emphasized that the demands of the protesters, including the announcement of new elections scheduled for March 5, 2024, should be addressed through a democratically elected institution rather than through unilateral presidential action.

The statement was signed by the chief whips of the respective parties, signifying a united front against the recent political maneuvers. They expressed concern that the dissolution of parliament undermines the democratic framework and called for the restoration of parliamentary governance.

The Role of President Poudel

In response to the escalating tensions, President Poudel urged all parties to exercise restraint and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution. He emphasized the importance of conducting elections within six months, asserting that the constitutional framework remains intact and that the federal democratic republic of Nepal continues to exist.

“The constitution is alive, the parliamentary system is alive, and the federal democratic republic still exists,” Poudel stated. He acknowledged the challenging circumstances but expressed hope that a more efficient democracy could emerge through the electoral process.

New Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Sushila Karki, who was sworn in as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister during a brief ceremony in Kathmandu, faces a daunting set of challenges as she leads the interim government. Karki, a former chief justice of the Supreme Court, is perceived as a leader with a clean reputation and has garnered support from the student-led “Gen Z” movement, which played a crucial role in the protests.

One of Karki’s immediate tasks will be to restore law and order following the violence that erupted during the protests, which included the storming and arson of the Singha Durbar palace, where parliament and government buildings are located. Additionally, her administration must address the reconstruction of these key facilities and reassure both the Gen Z protesters demanding change and the broader population concerned about the stability of Nepal’s young democracy.

Another pressing issue for Karki’s government will be to ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. The government must navigate the delicate balance between addressing the protesters’ demands and maintaining order in a country that is experiencing one of its most severe periods of unrest in decades.

Returning to Normalcy

As Nepal begins to stabilize following the recent turmoil, the military presence in the streets of Kathmandu has decreased, with soldiers returning to their bases after Karki’s inauguration. However, the underlying issues that sparked the protests remain unresolved. The “nepo kid” campaign, which highlighted the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children and allegations of corruption, continues to resonate with the public and underscores the need for systemic change.

While the government lifted the social media ban on Monday, the momentum of the protests had already gained significant traction, reflecting deeper discontent with the political elite. The challenge for the new government will be to address these grievances and foster a sense of trust and accountability in the political system.

In conclusion, the situation in Nepal remains fluid as the major political parties demand the reinstatement of parliament and the new Prime Minister navigates the complexities of governance in a time of crisis.

Key Facts

– **Protests**: Over 50 people have died in clashes during anti-corruption protests in Nepal.
– **Dissolution of Parliament**: President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives based on recommendations from interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
– **Political Parties’ Response**: Eight major parties, including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, have called the dissolution unconstitutional.
– **Social Media Ban**: The government banned 26 social media platforms, which fueled protests; the ban was lifted on Monday.
– **New Prime Minister**: Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, sworn in amidst ongoing unrest.
– **Next Elections**: New elections are scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Source: www.bbc.com