Elections in Nepal

Nepal is holding elections for the Constituent Assembly which would guide Nepal's future political choices. The assertion that the end of Monarchy would remove a major obstacle on the road to a stable democratic Nepal is over-emphasized. Nepal is currently facing many challenges which defy simple solutions.
For the past 250 years the people of Nepal have been governed by a monarch. Though the political parties may refer to the prevelance of a strong anti-monarchy sentiment, it is still uncertain that the people would abolish monarchy rather than converting the Monarch into a titular head.
The options to Monarchy in Nepal are not highly encouraging. The Maoist agenda remains ambigious as the recourse to violence is not completely surrendered. The youth wing of the Maoists has been charged with beating members of rival political parties and threatening voters.
The Madhesia problem in early 2007 had demonstrated the divisions that exist in Nepali society and which would continue to challenge the political stability of Nepal irrespective of the form of government.
Girija Prasad Koirala hopes to win a clear majority in the elections and still discretely favors a constitutional monarchy. The political parties in Nepal have been widely discredited and the Seven Party Alliance faces a major credibility challenge.
Though the Nepali people are enthusiastic about the elections, which are taking place after nine years, the national challenges might continue much after the verdict of these elections is out. Nevertheless the elections are critical since it would determine whether or not Nepal has moved in the right direction for addressing its problems.
There is something unique about these elections in Nepal; the monarchy, the people, the political parties, the Maoists, all have opted for the elections as 'the best of the worst choice'. But the hopes of the global community continue to be pinned on this election of compromises.