Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - Polling stations opened across Nepal today, in a climate great tension. 5 policemen, four rebels and a taxi driver (on duty despite the rebel imposed strike), lost their lives in a series of separate attacks carried out by Maoist guerrillas. The violent clashes came just one day after an offer extended by rebel leaders to dialogue with the ruling monarchy.
In the local elections, candidates from pro-monarchy parties are standing largely uncontested as 7 of the main opposition parties, who represent two thirds of the dissolved parliament, boycott the vote. They maintain today's ballot is an attempt by King Gyanendra to legitimize his regime. Increased security forces are patrolling 36 of the 58 municipalities taking part in the election. In the remaining 22 there were insufficient candidates, to enable a vote. Out of a total 4146 positions, a third have been filled by a single candidate, while at least 600 other candidates have withdrawn from the race fearing rebel retaliation.
In an interview published in "Kantipur" newspaper, the leader of the Maoist rebels stated that he was willing to dialogue with King Gyanendra, promising to respect the 12 points agreed on in a accord made between the rebels and 7 major political parties in November 2005. A constitutional assembly is on the cards to decide the nation's future system of government. "We will accept the people's decision - insists Prachanda - even if they want the monarchy". An immediate cease fire is also being offered, should the King accept.
Prachanda's proposal "is too self confident- observes Nicholas Mark, a teacher in Kathmandu - but it could bear fruit". Either way, it renews hope for an end to a war that effects above all the population, victims of "improvised strikes and Maoist attacks, that can happen anywhere at any time". The war between the Maoists and the Monarchy has led to over 13 thousand deaths since 1996 and destroyed the country's economy. In recent months the King has refused the offer of a uni-lateral ceasefire, which is supported by the opposition, claiming that it is rebel subterfuge to allow them time to reorganize their forces. (PD)
