Thousands flooded Ratna Park for a Democracy Rally in Katmandu today.
Pro-democracy activists listen to a speech at a public rally called by opposition parties at Ratna Park in Katmandu, Nepal, Thursday April 27, 2006. Tens of thousands of Nepalis gathered in central Katmandu to hear leaders of the new government speak a day before parliament was to reconvene. Nepal’s communist rebels have declared a three-month cease-fire after weeks of bloody protests. At center is the Nepalese flag. (AP Photo/Gautam Singh)
Nepal’s legislators head back to work Friday after a four-year break promising to take back power for the people, but their ability to carry out radical reform remains in doubt.
The Himalayan nation is then set for months of legal and political battles for power between implacable foes ranging from Maoists and republicans to royalists set to fight over the future of the country’s political system.
“Clearly some things are very hazy,” said professor S.M. Habibullah, head of political science at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan University. “This is very, very much a new thing. Real democracy hasn’t started yet.”
Politicians have vowed to call elections for an assembly to reframe the nation’s 1990 constitution to take away power from the king but there is no legal basis for them to do so.
Pro-democracy activists listen to speeches at a public rally called by opposition parties at Ratna Park in Katmandu, Nepal, Thursday April 27, 2006. Tens of thousands of Nepalis gathered in central Katmandu to hear leaders of the new government speak a day before parliament was to reconvene. Nepal’s communist rebels have declared a three-month cease-fire after weeks of bloody protests. At center is the Nepalese flag. (AP Photo/Gautam Singh)
The Nepalese Moaist Leaders said earlier today that they would call a three month truce with the government but they would not lay down their arms.
Publius Pundit has been following the action in Nepal over the last several months.
Photographs of pro-democracy activists who allegedly died in demonstrations are seen on a stage, as political leaders look on during a public rally called by opposition parties at Ratna Park in Katmandu, Nepal, Thursday April 27, 2006. (AP Photo)
Back in March President Bush’s 25 Words rocked the capital of Katmandu.
Previously:
Arrests at Kathmandu Protests
Nepal Cracks Down on Journalists
Nepal Democracy Protests End Violently
In Nepal, Women Join the Fight for Democracy!
Nepali Students Again Clash with Police
Thousands Protest for Democracy in Nepal
Bush’s 25 Words Rock Kathmandu
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