Election Fever

In 10 days’ time Nepal is scheduled to go to the polls for the first time since 2008. As in 2008 the task is to elect a Constitutional Assembly whose job it will be to finalise a constitution for Nepal.

Ballot boxes being carried to a rural
polling station in 2008

The previous assembly was disbanded in May 2012 having taken 4 years instead of the originally planned 2. Despite the extensions they still didn't produce a constitution. So Nepal now has a second chance. Some parties are refusing to take part in the poll. One group have called a 10 day “Bandh” or general strike. This is due to start on Monday and lead up to the day of the election the aim being to stop all transport and close all business across the country. Whether this actually holds is a big question, but you can imagine the potential disruption to all if it does go ahead. Particularly to those who live day to day and need to work in order to eat.

The election even got a mention in the New York Times this week, Although not (in our opinion) a completely balanced piece it does give a good overview.

We will be posting more information on the blog around the time of the election. But do remember Nepal in the coming 10 days or so.