Nepal King invents ‘democracy’, promotes it

Dhan Kumar Neupane, a housewife discovered that she was candidate for the post of chairperson for ward no 14 under Kathamandu muncipal body. Her husband rescued her on Saturday-the last date for withdrawal of nomination by protesting in front of the local election office. It was a hard time for the couple to convince the commission officials that she can not be forced to contest election against will.

The alliance of seven pro-democracy parties has not only boycotted the election, but its most prominent leader, G P Koirala, has also appealed to the government officials not to cooperate with the Government.

The Chief Justice, Dilip Kumar Poudel turned down commission’s request to depute officials from the judicial services. While the Maoist rebels issued an ultimatum on Saturday that the candidates who would not withdraw byTuesday would be awarded ’most stringent’ punishment which means ’execution’.

Government has shut-down colleges and universities for fear of organised protest until the voting’ is over.

There are reports from half a dozen municipalities that the candidates were not allowed to withdraw nomination. A large number of them have been kept in the army, para-military and police barracks without family members, relatives and party members being given access.