Himalayan drama nepal can ill afford political turmoil in the middle of a pandemic better sense must prevail

Himalayan drama nepal can ill afford political turmoil in the middle of a pandemic better sense must prevail

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday recommended that the lower house of Parliament be dissolved and fresh elections be held. The country’s president acceded to the request and announced that elections will be held over April and May next year. The legality of the development is contested and the last word hasn’t been said. Regardless, Nepal is set for a period of political instability as Oli’s decision comes on the heels of irreconcilable differences within the governing Nepal Communist Party. A section of the party has even initiated disciplinary action against Oli over Sunday’s development.

The political turmoil comes at a difficult moment. Nepal has been hit hard by the fallout of the pandemic as tourism and remittances play important roles in the economy. In addition, there have been other challenges such as sugarcane farmers protesting in Kathmandu over unpaid dues. Oli, who has been in office for almost three years, has shown a pronounced tilt towards China in foreign policy. Simultaneously, the relationship with India deteriorated, with the cabinet’s approval in May of an updated political map marking a low point. China, through the office of its ambassador to Nepal, has also played a direct role in domestic politics.

The Indian government will watch the developments in coming days with interest. None of the differences between the two countries are irreconcilable. They have a unique relationship, as an open border and free movement of people between sovereign neighbours are rarely seen anywhere else in Asia. This remains the foundation of an enduring but sometimes prickly friendship. Regardless of how the fluid political situation plays out, it is in the interest of both countries to lower the temperature and find ways to resolve differences. Nepal can ill afford political turmoil at this time. Hopefully wiser counsel will prevail.