STATEMENT BY SEAN MCCORMACK, SPOKESMAN

February 9, 2006                                                                                   

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
 

The United States believes Nepal’s municipal elections called by the King today represented a hollow attempt to legitimize his power. 
 
There was a clear lack of public support for these elections.  Voter turnout in the capital is estimated at under 25%.  Outside Kathmandu, turnout was reportedly half that level in some places.  The government detained large numbers of political activists before the elections, restricted media and refused to allow independent outside monitors.  Maoist intimidation and killing of candidates during the campaign also marred the vote.  There is no political cause that justifies the use of violence.
 
The only way to effectively deal with the threat posed by the Maoists is to restore democracy in Nepal. We call on the King to release all political detainees and initiate a dialogue with the political parties.  His continuing refusal to take these steps is leading his country further down the path of violence and disorder.  

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