RealityEquation

∗ Nepal CA Elections 08: A Photo Story

A Tough Knot to Untie
Nepalis are banking on the “historic” nationwide Constitutional Assembly Polls of April 10, 2008 to help get them out of the present conditions of fear, disorder and disharmony.The elections, which will decide how the Constituent Assembly should be formed to write a new constitution for the country, had previously been postponed twice and was held finally in an environment of uncertainly and fear, at the trail of several bomb blasts, attacks and deaths.The polling itself, however, went smoothly. Apart from some cases booth-capturing and election-related violence, all of which were expected to much worse degrees, everything went relatively without trouble.

CA Elections Gets the All Clear The Election Commission has had to postpone the CA Elections two times and face countless hurdles — including bomb explosions, killings, threats — before coming to this “historic” day. April 10, 2008.

Chakrapath Roaming

The perpetually-busy junction of Chakrapath is eerily devoid of vehicular chaos. People take the opportunity to walk along the middle of the roads, leaving way every once in a while for the occasional passing vehicle.

Points of Contention

A crowded sea of voters seen here around Election booth #32 (unconfirmed), as people line both sides of the road, some on their way to their booths and some returning.

Because the use of vehicles was banned for civilian use, voters had to walk to their polling stations.

Voter Turnout Was Good

The Election Commission says there was voter turnout of over 60%, exceeding even the more optimistic predictions, including those of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. He expected turnout to be at around 50%-60%.

Of the total 17.6 million voters, over 10.5 million cast their votes.

Loose Procedures, Voter List

Entry procedures were very loose indeed, at least at booth #33 (Kathmandu-5). One would need to present his election identification and see if his name is on the voters list at that booth; given both, he would get a slip that would allow him to enter the booth and cast his vote.

Volunteers at the booth initially had trouble finding certain names — the list was not ordered in any sensible way — and those around the registration area seemed to encourage even those not on the list — but of legal age — to vote. Even on the behalf of others, although such conduct is discouraged.

Voter lists were also available online at the Election Commission website.

Voters Queuing, Booth #33, Kathmandu-5, Ward 4

Voters waiting in line to cast their votes, outside Election Booth #33, in Kathmandu Ward 4 of Constituency 5.

Apart from the apparent looseness of procedure, there was sense of peace and jubilance.

Press, Government on the Road

The Government of Nepal prohibited the use of vehicles (except, apparently, cycles) on the day of the CA polls (on April 10, 2008).

Those owned by the press (seen here in florescent clothing), hospitals, the government and diplomats, were, however, given passes.

The sale of alcohol was also banned in the days leading up to the election.

All Quiet Outside Nirmal Niwas

The fate of the 240-year-old institution of monarchy rests on the results of Nepal’s CA Elections of April 10, 2008.

King Gyanendra, in a message broadcasted to the nation on the eve of said elections, urged all Nepalis to exercise their rights to vote.

New Possibilities

One of Baluwatar’s residents finds the unique opportunity to try his rollerstakes on the roads of Baluwatar. In regular traffic, this would be near impossible. (Or, at least, not very intelligent).

Leading to Something?

Nepalis all over the country are hoping the CA Elections will pave the way for better times and give direction to a country embroiled in conflict and confusion.

A voter turnout of 60%, successful polling and the general sense of excitement bode well, but there’s much to be done still.