Publication

This report discusses the likely consequences of the municipal elections on 8 February 2006 on the democratic and peace process in Nepal. The authors warn that the royal government is inviting confrontation by forcing through elections that will not be free, fair, or credible. It is argued that postponing the elections and the government's willingness to consider a ceasefire is as crucial for successful conflict resolution and democratization as targeted sanctions by the international community, the resolution of internal differences among the opposition parties, and disarmament by the Maoist rebels.