Kalpit Parajuli

The leader of the Nepalese branch of the World Hindu Federation acknowledges the change of the constitution sanctioned by the constitutional assembly. Dissent still remains over the declaration of the "secular state": if this is not revoked, public protests are in the offing.

Late last night came the announcement that the monarchy was abolished and the republic proclaimed. King Gyanendra has 15 days to leave the Royal palace. Hindu monarchists protest; they view the decision as invalid and want a referendum.

A few hours' delay for the vote of the constitutional assembly, which should announce today the end of the Hindu monarchy. The political parties are probably wrapping up agreements on the separation of powers between the president and prime minister. The king has been given 15 days to leave the palace.

In Buddha’s birthplace of Kapilvastu, Nepal’s main political parties confess their sins and pledge their commitment to peace. Maoist leader Prachanda is accused however of leading a still violent group.

The Indian intelligence bureau is afraid of an eruption of terrorist activities amid the creation of mosques and madrasahs in Nepal. Accusations against Pakistan, believed to be using the mosques to create problems for India.

China’s envoy to Kathmandu criticises Nepal because it releases anti-Chinese Buddhist protesters, but he fails to say in what way peaceful demonstrations constitute crimes. He criticises the United Nations for the fact that some of its officials are present at such demonstrations.

The meeting that brought together representatives of various countries and the Pontifical Council for Culture focused on the “disorientation” that traditional cultures face. At stake is how to share the gift of the Good News with our Asian brothers and sisters.

The country’s electoral law reserves seats for women and ethnic, social and religious minorities. The new administration needs a two thirds majority to govern and minority votes may prove decisive.

Police arrest more than 400 people in the last few days. They were demonstrating against Chinese repression in Tibet. A spokesperson for the Nepali government tells AsiaNews: We are democrats but shall not allow any protests against Beijing.

The Elections Commission confirms Maoist party’s landslide victory. Its leaders call upon the international community to trust them as they get ready to abolish the monarchy.

Initial results on more than 100 constituencies but the Maoists in the lead in more than 50 of them. They have been awarded 4 of the first 7 seats. But in many circumstances, the tallying has not yet begun. Voting in at least 60 seats has been nullified, and must be repeated.

Only a few incidents at a handful of polls, but at least four are dead. Tallying the votes will take more than 10 days. Maoists defeated in the first round.