Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin has said that despite the postponement of constituent assembly elections planned for mid-June, the peace process is firmly on track.

Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin

Chief of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) Ian Martin (File Photo)
“Fundamentally I’m optimistic, because it was the people of Nepal who took their future in their hands in a very dramatic way in the people’s movement of a year ago,” Martin told reporters at UN Headquarters after briefing the Security Council on Friday.

He further said, “Their determination and demand that Nepal must not slip into armed conflict is very strong.”

Martin said that no one could have imagined a year ago that the King would have relinquished executive authority and that the resulting cease-fire could have blossomed into a full, comprehensive peace agreement that has already made strides under UN monitoring.

He also pointed out that the timetable for the election to the constituent assembly, which will adopt a new constitution, has been delayed because regulations governing the process are not yet ready.

A new date for those elections has not yet been agreed on, but they will have to await the end of the monsoon season and major national holidays, which means November at the earliest, Martin added.

Martin expressed hope that the Nepalis, with the assistance of UNMIN, would be able to improve security conditions for the elections and work for the full inclusion of marginalised ethic groups.

A report on Nepal by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, released late last month, had praised the political parties for their willingness to strive towards consensus on some of the most divisive issues, but also noted that some of the underlying causes of the conflict are yet to be tackled. He had cautioned the parties about the challenges remaining in monitoring stored arms and improving the cantonment conditions of armed personnel.

Martin reported the Security Council that, with reports of snakes and tents blowing away, cantonment conditions are, indeed, ‘extremely unsatisfactory.’ There are now plans for the construction of more permanent living structures, he said.