Nepal: Curfews Lifted, Political Unrest Continues, Elections to Go On

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | January 24th, 2006 | Trackback

The government vowed to hold municipal elections planned for Feb. 8 despite boycotts and protests by political parties who claim the elections are a ploy by King Gyanendra to consolidate power and appease the international community. Tensions came to a head Jan. 20 when the King imposed a daytime curfew and cut off all cell phone and internet access to prevent a mass protest. Police detained political leaders and the protest was postponed to the next day, when a few thousand people rallied and hundreds were arrested. Restrictions were eased Jan. 22 with cell phone service restored and night curfew rescinded. Trouble is likely in the days preceding the election as Maoists have called for a general strike known as a “bandh” to disrupt the vote.

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