Kathmandu Post

Editorial»

Breaking the ice

JAN 01 -
If there is one overarching political trend that could be said to have characterised 2011, it is the gradual subsiding of the Maoists’ revolutionary intentions and the development of better relations with other political parties. The year 2010 was dominated by Maoist attempts to impose their will upon the others by force. They staged various protests against forces they believed to be antagonistic to them and brought the country to a complete halt for almost a week in May last year. The other political parties were at the time extremely suspicious of the Maoists and it was the purpose of the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led government to isolate them and weaken them as much as possible. The struggle between the Maoists and the non-Maoists had calmed down at the beginning of 2011, but bitter relations between them still prevailed.

Dramatic changes in the relationship among the parties occurred in 2001, but this process too was gradual. The formation of the Jhala Nath Khanal-led government, in which the Maoists participated, marked a turning point. It was after this that the Maoists moderated their radical rhetoric. Important political forces, including those of neighbouring countries, began to take a more positive stance towards the former rebels. After this period of constructive engagement, Baburam Bhattarai became the prime minister. It was then that the Maoists committed themselves entirely to the peace and constitution-drafting process. They were able to reach a deal on integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants as well as make progress on the constitution drafting front.

The improved relations among parties and the progress in the political process will likely continue into 2012. It is to be hoped that the peace process will soon be concluded. Other political issues will then take greater precedence. Perhaps the most significant among them will be the struggle over federalism and other methods of ensuring greater inclusion in state structures. This battle is already heating up, with positions hardening on both sides. 2012 is likely to see the debates on the federal structure once again spill out on the streets, with various Madhesi and Janajati groups asserting their demands. This is likely to cause fear and anger in Kathmandu. The management of these opposing viewpoints will be crucial for Nepal’s political future.

The other political issue that will be extremely salient in 2012 is that of the divisions within the Maoist party. These are so deep and bitter that many feel that it is only a matter of time before the party splits. A split could have many negative ramifications, not least on the peace and constitutional processes. It is, therefore, important that the Maoist leadership handles their differences in a way that, even if the split occurs, minimises the impact on the broader political process.

Posted on: 2012-01-02 09:30

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