Nepal: By-election wins confirm revolutionary government's popularity

By Ben Peterson
On April 10 across the country by-elections were held in 6 constituencies that had been left vacant in the last 12 months. These elections took place in a range of areas, in different parts of the country, in areas where different ethnic groups and where political parties were powerful so in effect these elections gave a good reflection in the political mood amongst the people. While only a fraction of people could vote, and the small amount of seats at stake would not affect the balance of power within the parliament, these elections were incredibly important because of the role they take in the wider political struggle in the country.
In these elections, the Maoists (again) won considerably.

Results

Of the six constituencies two were previously held by the Maoists, which they retained, and they also picked up another seat- previously held by the Nepali Congress. The other seats went one each to the Nepali Congress, the CPN(UML) and the Madeshi Peoples Rights Forum. Despite what was widely predicted, rather then Maoist support dropping in the last year, it has increased. This is further despite the constant media attacks and the inability for their government to carry out most of their programs in a meaningful way.
This is because the Maoists are still a party that has deep connections within the communities of Nepal. Its work in local areas , and its work in the youth, women's, trade unions, peasants, low caste and poor peoples movements means that there is a link with the average Nepalis that has proven to be strong, and hasn't yet been severed, despite the constant media attacks and co-ordinated attempts by the opposition to destroy or usurp this revolutionary base.
Also the Maoists polled well in the Terai areas, and finished second in one of the Madhesh constituencies. This is even more surprising due to the departure from the Maoists of Matrika Yadav, who was their most publicised Madheshi leader. Even despite this very public split and the very publicised criticisms of the Maoists from Yadav, the Maoists have been able to increase their support in the Madheshi areas, which are so crucial in the current situation. If the balance of power tips back in favour of the Maoists in the Madhesh, then it will help to overcome a major challenge to the ongoing revolutionary process.

More than a simple vote

These by-elections were more than just a simple vote. In essence, they were an important part of the wider political power struggle that is still playing out. These results are encouraging for the revolutionaries, and strengthens their hands, and gives them more strength and ability to push forward with the plans and programs of the revolution. Conversely- the political opposition, was looking to these elections, to provide them with an opportunity to discredit and overthrow the government. The Nepali Congress leads this political opposition- including elements of parties within government and the Army, with the support of the international players in the embassy. The Congress opposition was hoping that this election would result in defeat for the Maoists, which would give them an opportunity to claim that that government had lost the support of the people, and try to overthrow it. The elections have instead, removed this possibility and rather will lead to renewed attacks on the state power that their class base still holds.
The by-election results were important because the revolution, and the counter revolution are both progressing, and trying to gather strength to do away with the other. It is easy to see, for the political opposition has been very active in the army recruitment, disrupting the assembly and protests in different parts of the country. But the progressive forces have not simply stood back and done nothing, they have had mobilisations, they have retiring more and more officials, and now they have won this election. All these are just parleys. There are two fundamentally opposed forces vying for control and naturally there will need to be a confrontation at some point between these two poles. The old- the army and bureaucrats desperately trying to crush the new- a inclusive and equitable Nepal. The prize is the power to enforce and create the New Nepal in their image, and while this election, this small skirmish has been won by those with a very new vision for Nepal, the decisive battles are yet to be played out.

Last year's election victory

The constituent assembly elections of last year were won in outstanding fashion by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The received almost a million votes more than their nearest competitor, and have more seats in the assembly than the next largest 2 parties combined. While the UCPN(M) does not have an outright majority in the assembly, it holds almost 40% of the seats, and thus seeing as the new constitution needs to be approved by a two thirds majority, by definition this means that the new Constitution for the "New Nepal" will be the minimum vision of the Maoist party.
So what does this mean? In concrete terms what can we expect for the new Nepali State. The Maoist vision of this new state. A secular Republic has already been achieved- Nepal will no longer be a "Hindu kingdom" and the despised monarchy has been given its marching orders, but while this is significant, the real changes are yet to come.
A new national democratised army, the basis of which will be both the (ex Royal) Nepali Army and the People's Liberation Army previously of the Maoists. The new army needs to be democratised, and loyal only to the new state and democracy rather the monarchy or political factions.
Nepal's diverse culture will be protected and developed. It will be developed and modernised to remove any old feudal influences that discriminate, but be protected from the cultural imperialism of Hindi and the West that threatens to destroy Nepal's own identity and replace it with a sexist consumer culture.
The New Nepal will actively seek to fight oppression against all the discriminated people of Nepal. It will be a federal state that gives the right of autonomy and self determination to all the many nations of people within the borders of Nepal. It will also fight discrimination against women and that of Dalits, who were "untouchable" under the old Hindu Caste system. It will do so with more than just words, special rights will be given to Dalits and Women to insure that discrimination against them is brought to an end.

New economic practices

The social and political changes will also be coupled with new economic practices. National industrial projects will be prioritised to create the basis for an economic development that can bring real improvements to the people of Nepal. Employment will be guaranteed and a minimum wage has already been set (and raised) by the government. Workers can even be given the right to be involved in industrial management.
The education system will be revolutionised. Private educational facilities that charge high fees from minimum gain will be regulated- taxed and phased out to be incorporated into a new education system that will provide a relevant and reformed service to people. Ethnic minorities will have the right to receive lessons in their mother tongue, and the service will be made free to lower levels, and much cheaper and more access able to the community as a whole. This has been coupled with a literacy campaign that is already beginning which will involve thousands of volunteers and eradicate illiteracy in this country were currently as many as 50% of people cant read or write.
This new system goes far beyond the accepted norms of western "democracy". The vision for a new Nepal is not something that is modelled on current existing examples. The vision for a New Nepal is a vision that provides the only way for Nepal to develop and grow and provide the respect and decency that its people deserve. This is not a worn out "bourgeois democratic" revolution, this is a new revolutionary democracy of the 21st century!

Ben Peterson's blog can be read here