KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) – Nepal’s prime minister asked the former communist rebels to join the new government Tuesday in an effort to end political turmoil and push through a new constitution in the Himalayan country.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) – former communist rebels who fought government troops for 10 years – had blocked parliamentary proceedings but ended its protest several days ago, allowing Saturday’s election.
Maoist lawmakers walked out of parliament on Saturday and did not participate in the process.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said it was necessary to have the support and consensus of all political parties in making the new constitution – which is being rewritten in the wake of abolishing the monarchy. He made the appeal in his first public speech since being elected.
Nepal is supported by 22 of the 24 parties in parliament. But without the support of the Maoists – who are the largest party in parliament – it could be difficult for his administration to pass legislation. They also reject Nepal’s appointment and have said they will continue to protest.
Former rebel chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal resigned as prime minister earlier this month following a dispute with President Ram Baran Yadav, who rejected Dahal’s firing of the country’s army chief after efforts to integrate Maoist fighters into the military were resisted.
The Maoists ended their decade-long armed struggle three years ago and entered a peace process. They won general elections in 2008 but did not obtain a majority in parliament.
Nepal’s party, Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist), has long been part of mainstream politics.
Nepal, 56, has also been a prominent political figure for more than a decade. He was a key figure in 2005 protests against the authoritarian rule of then-King Gyanendra and the weeks of street protests that led to the restoration of democracy a year later.
Both Dahal’s and Nepal’s parties are communist but differ in policies and beliefs.
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