Communist Nepal
Election Day
I woke up on the day of Nepal’s first constitutional election to the sound of children playing. The streets were closed to all vehicles with the exception of the UN SUV’s so the sound of motorbikes had been silenced for the day. Men played cricket in the middle of the road and families seemed to take advantage of the holiday for an outing. I ran into my friend Ramesh and we walked to the voting site and hung around waiting for some action.
The Maoists have been struggling for change for the last ten years. They have used whatever means necessary to accomplish their goals including violence. The insurgency, which lasted from 2004-2007 caused a lot of bloodshed but now they are promising nationwide social revisions. The party originated in rural areas which are most affected by the lack of government infrastructure. The people are tired of struggling to survive. So, the people of Nepal aren't communist but they are desperate for some change and this party has promised something they haven't seen in a couple of decades. The people of Nepal don't want to support violence and terrorism but the Maoist have worked hard over the last ten years and have created a movement. They’ve legitimately inserted themselves in the political realm and have won the election. The day after the vote the local paper read, “After spending a decade leading a communist insurgency in the mountains of Nepal, former top rebel Prachanda became the newest member Saturday of an assembly that will chart the Himalayan country's future. Prachanda, whose rebel nom de guerre means "the fierce one," led a powerful showing by the former Maoists rebels in early results from Thursday's elections. The vote is expected to usher in sweeping changes to the Himalayan country and likely signals the end of a 239-year-old royal dynasty. The Maoists, who are still considered a terrorist group by the United States, have so far won 44 seats out of the 79 where counting has been completed. The ex-rebels, formally known as the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), were leading in most of the other areas where votes were still being tallied, the Election Commission said Sunday. This victory is a command by the Nepali people to establish lasting peace, Prachanda, 54, told reporters after the result was announced. We are fully committed to the peace process and multiparty democracy and to rebuild this country.” People seem excited but at the same time have realistic expectations. Ramesh and his friends expect to see change in the next 20 years. That’s a long time to hold on with no promises. What an exciting time to be in Nepal.
