The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE nascent democracy in Nepal seems to have been passing through another test following the fall of the eight-month-old government led by the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The crisis apparently began over the question of integration of former Maoist guerrillas into the regular army. The peace accord under which the insurgents agreed to join the mainstream politics provided for this. As the Army Chief refused to take in the guerrillas for their being fundamentally different from the conventional army in nature and political spirit, the Maoists in the government sacked him. But the President ignored the prime minister's order and reinstated the army chief. Nepal has been passing through a transition to constitutional democracy from monarchy as the new Constitution is being drafted.

Coalition partners of the Dahal government disagreed with the decision of the Prime Minister and withdrew their support from him forcing the resignation. Dahal has established himself as the most influential political figure in his country now with 238 (40 percent) seats in the Parliament. He still reportedly enjoys more support in urban and rural areas than the traditional political forces. However, it seems the political opposition to absorption of guerillas with the army is stronger. The guerillas have been living in army cantonments since Dahal's taking over as Prime Minister.

All forces in Nepal including the Maoists would hopefully adhere to constitutional means and work prudently to protect and nurture the nascent democracy. Change of government under democracy is a normal constitutional process. With the monarchy no longer there the politicians must uphold the constitution and rule of law. Failure of the constitutional process would threaten its independence and sovereignty.