Nepal awaits election call

Democracy's generation must balance past, present and future

South Asia Correspondent Daniel Lak reports

There is intense speculation in the remote Himalayan kingdom of Nepal that it could be a matter of days before a new general election is called.

Multi-party democracy only arrived in Nepal in 1990 and the years since have been a roller-coaster ride of political instability and crumbling coalitions.

Until 1990 Nepal was an absolute monarchy - political parties were banned.

A country-wide campaign culminated in a confrontation with the police that year which left dozens dead after the authorities opened fire.

But despite winning the battle for freedom many Nepalese feel let down by the political system.

There have been five changes of government in the last eight years and a new general election would be the fourth. Stability has eluded Nepal.

Elections when snow melts

Some, like Prime Minister GP Koirala, say that democracy in Nepal is having teething troubles:

G P Koirala: 'We are feeling the pinch economically'

"We have not broken the norms of democracy. It is in a formative stage. We are learning how the institution of democracy works.

"Democracy is a new experiment. The opposition leaders are not responsible - that's why the coalition is always shaky.

"In the course of time the opposition will understand they have the same responsibility as the government.

"Political parties need to come to an understanding - to a consensus on a national level for cooperation."

Mr Koirala also outlined his timetable for calling elections: "April - May is a good time for elections. Nepal has mountains - and when the snow melts will be the best time."

But others say democracy has made no real difference.

Mount Everest keeps tourists coming

Krishnan, a rural craftsman told me: "We still have to work too hard to get food clothes and housing.

"All we want is food, clothing and shelter - it's the same as it was a long time ago - there's been no change in our lives."

Mount Everest and the rest of the Himalayas bring countless tourists to Nepal every year.

Politicians quarrel - pollution grows

Tourism is the top source of foreign income here. As politicians squabble over power, the costs of uncontrolled economic growth are plainly visible.

Once you could see across the Kathmandu valley to the city's famous skyline of ancient temples - but there aren't that many clear days any more.

Kathmandu's growing economy and population are bringing more and more vehicles onto the road and with them a sharp decline in quality of life and public health.

But Prime Minister Koirala says Nepal's economic policy is under review: "Every country - even Japan - is feeling the pinch at the moment.

"Sanctions imposed on India by America for nuclear explosions are affecting us. If anything happens in India it has a very big effect on our economy."

Was democracy worth bloodshed?

In 1990 Nepalese fought hard for democracy and even shed blood.

Victory brought high expectations and even though there have been changes for the better - lifelong democrats say today's leaders aren't managing the transition or the country well.

Devendra Raj Pandey: 'Forces of tradition must be dealt with'

Devendra Raj Pandey, former finance minister, says the country's problems are a battle between old and new.

"Some of these leaders have struggled for democracy for 30-40 years - and some of them are very educated in their own way.

"But it's a sign of their inability to cope with and fight against the forces of tradition - the forces that are also associated with our feudal social structure - and much of that continues to this day."

But tradition lives on in Nepal.

Change, political freedom, development - all must coexist with ancient ways.

It may be that today's young children - democracy's generation - are better placed to strike the balance and keep a vibrant past alive alongside a more prosperous present and future.