KATMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s former communist rebels were declared the biggest party in a new governing assembly Thursday.
Although the Maoists won’t have a majority, they are expected to usher in sweeping changes for the poor Himalayan nation. First up: getting rid of the royal dynasty that has ruled Nepal for 239 years.
“The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly will end the monarchy and establish a republic — there will be no compromise,” the Maoists’ leader, Prachanda, told reporters Thursday.
Although there is still support for the monarchy, few Nepalis will mourn the exit of King Gyanendra. He seized absolute power in 2005 only to be forced into restoring democracy a year later by widespread protests.
The Maoists put aside their arms and signed a peace deal giving them a role in an interim administration. They toned down their rhetoric and found strong support from voters upset by the country’s poverty and disenchanted with the often squabbling and corrupt political elite.
Fear also might have helped some. The movement, which murdered critics during its insurgency and forced young men and women to be guerrillas, was accused of trying to intimidate voters and rivals during the campaign. But international observers said the election was largely fair.
