Post-election, pre-constitution

Nepal’s tryst with the ballot has ushered in a new era, allowing a diverse country of minorities to be optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for social transformation. The fate of the monarchy was a forgone conclusion, but less expected was the sweep of the polls by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Articles in this issue of Himal offer reactions, analyses and insights into how, in a country ravaged by the decade-long Maoist insurgency, the people’s mandate has led the former rebels to be set to lead the elected government. As for how the country’s critical economic transformation will be overseen by a Maoist-led government, the Nepali underclass will anxiously wait to see the impact that the realities of global economic and regional geopolitical compulsions are bound to have on the stated goal. Meanwhile, will the short-term agenda outlined by the party’s chief ideologue in this issue – of abolishing feudalism and developing industrial capitalism – really be able to rebuild a solid economic foundation for Nepal? One way or another, this will certainly be one of the first tests of the sustainability of the Maoists’ electoral rhetoric.

What must not be forgotten is that this newly elected body – the most representative of the country’s diverse communities that Nepal has seen to date – is not just to form the government, but is tasked with the all-important responsibility of writing the new constitution. This unique body of women and men, Dalits, janajatis, Madhesis and ethnic nationalities will indeed make history. But only if this document embodies inclusion, social justice, democratic values and diversity – principles and practices badly needed to correct historical wrongs.