When action wreaks results

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AFTER days of rebellion in the streets of Kathmandu, met with police and army brutality that killed at least 14 people, Nepalese King Gyanendra gave way and gave up his absolute powers. During a televised address on 24 April, he said: "Executive power of the Kingdom of Nepal, which was in our safekeeping, shall from this day be returned to the people."

Bringing with it the end of protests and violence that reportedly transformed the face of the cultural, historical and tourist capital, the address and subsequent steps to reinstate parliamentary democracy after four years of absolute power in the hands of the king have nevertheless been met with some scepticism by opposition parties.

Members of the opposition who were among the driving forces of the general strike-cum-protest feel that the King Gyanendra is still intent of retaining a significant share of control over how political life will be steered in Nepal in the years to come.

Adding to the troubles of opposition parties is the fact that they have, according to a BBC report, faced bitter rivalries and struggles amongst each other. So although they may have come together for the purpose of ending the king's absolute powers, they are likely to face severe restrictions in the future caused by fundamental disagreements on the details of how a Nepalese democracy should be run.

On Monday following the reinstatement of parliament, newly sworn in Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala met top opposition leaders to decide on a new cabinet, whose main task will be to lead the peace process with the Maoist insurgency. Parliament has already called for the constitution to be rewritten -- which is the insurgency's top demand. Following three weeks of demonstrations, there seems to be a strong mood in Nepal that urges the end of violence, as well as the reinstatement of a full democracy. Observers and activists agree, however, that these are early days yet for the opposition to announce victory.

Left, Nepalese pro-democracy protestor shout slogans as they take part in a May Day rally in Kathmandu

(photo: AFP)