STATES OF FLUX

 

 

Last week, the Himalayan Kingdoms, Bhutan and Nepal, showed two different patterns of democratic flux. The former showed how a King can help usher in democracy, while in Nepal the birth pangs of a “Republic” were clearly audible.

The decision to put an end to the centuries-old monarchy and turn Nepal into a republic was approved by Parliament, along with amendments to the pro tem constitution, ensuring inclusion of Maoists in the Cabinet. The government appointed five former Maoists as ministers following an accord to end Nepal’s political crisis, three months after the Maoists walked out of the ruling coalition. The amendment in Article 159 (a) of the interim Constitution says, “Nepal will be a Federal Democratic Republic.” The amendment also says the republic will be put into practice by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. After the amendment, the King will have no constitutionally sanctioned role and the Prime Minister will function as head of state.

Reacting to the incident, noted Nepalese analyst Maj. Gen. Kumar Fudong (retd) told TSI: “The fact is that the NC, UML and the Maoists have established themselves as the key political forces of Nepal. They have realised how crucial it is for them to work together in order to maintain stability. However, they have failed to recognise the other mainstream forces in the society - Madhesis, Janjatis and Dalits.”

King Gyanendra seized absolute control over the country in 2005, but was forced to relinquish most of his powers following widespread protests in April 2006. Gyanendra heads a dynasty that dates to 1769, when his forefathers conquered the ancient city of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur defeating Ranas—the then rulers—in a bloody battle.

On the other hand, Bhutan held its first elections as part of its transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy. More than 300,000 people were due to cast votes for 15 of the 25 seats of the upper house of Parliament. Five more will be elected at the end of January — a delay caused by a lack of candidates — and five others will be appointed by the king. The voting saw the culmination of a process that began when the former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, declared he was abdicating in favour of his young son, Jigme Khesar Wangchuck.

Prior to the elections, two mock elections were organised in order to acquaint the teach people with the whole democratic process. Nevertheless, it seemed as if people were reluctant to accept change and saw it as an intrusion into an otherwise quiet lifestyle. Although final voting figures are yet to be released, voting has been sparse across the kingdom.