With the sixth round of elections in the prime ministerial stakes about to take place, a large cast of characters seem to have become involved, some known, some unknown. Quite apart from the politicians and their hangers on, there are the power brokers on the either side of the contest. Democracy seems to be taking root rapidly in Nepal with the buying and selling of votes(horse trading) becoming a regular feature. What’s more the price is more than keeping pace with inflation and is the inverse proportion to recessionary tendencies!
Much has also been made about “outside inference”. This is particularly from the side of UCPN- Maoist who have not minced words while denouncing interference from outside. They have also let it to be known that foreign forcesare not stinting in the money they pay to keep the Maoist themselves are no slouch at this game. Both when it comes to horse trading and cavorting with “ foreign forces” . And in this case the Maoist are dancing a tango with the neighbor to the north.
On September 1, there were two interesting conversations between an official from China and Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Maoist leader and former information and communication minister in the erstwhile government of Puspa Kamal Dahal. The phone was tapped in a sting operation. The content of the conversation were available to THT. They are self explanatory and need no further elaboration. And by the way like others, we have been provided with a copy of the recorded conversation by our source who’s only wish is to protect Nepal’s infant democracy.
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