The king pledges free elections in 2007
But political parties are calling for the restoration to parliament of its powers first.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews/Agencies) King Gyanendra, the sovereign of Nepal, announced today that free elections will be held in the country by 2007, five years later than he himself had planned after coming to power.
In a message to the nation published to mark the Hindu festival of Dasain, the head of state called on the international community to help Nepal conduct a dignified, free and just ballot. "We have commanded the Election Commission to conduct elections by 2007." The king called on the Maoist rebels to stop their revolt "aimed at toppling the monarchy" and to join mainstream politics. "We would like to make it clear that the door to joining the political mainstream is open to all."
The announcement of a free vote did not receive a hearty welcome from the country's seven parties, who are calling for the restoration of parliament's powers before the ballot, as well as a multi-party government to hold talks with the rebels. "The security situation has not changed since the king took over. How can elections be possible?" asked Ram Chandra Poudel, a leader of the main Nepali Congress party.
Rajendra Dahal, editor of the widely read Nepali magazine, Himal said: "The king has no intention to hold elections. He is simply buying time because of international pressure to restore democracy in Nepal."
Free elections have been postponed since 2002, when the monarchy deposed the prime minister with the backing of the army, and put off elections because of the revolution raging in the country. The civil war has killed more than 12,500 people since 1996.
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10/02/2006
