Campaigning ends amid violence; other details
By Bhola B Rana
Kathmandu, 7 April: Violent campaigning ended midnight Monday [18.15 GMT] amid widespread bombings and violence for the still uncertain 10 April [Thursday] constituent assembly elections.
The constitution is to decide the future of the 238-year monarchy by a simple majority when two-third majority is required to topple the government of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala installed in April 2006.
Government was installed through street protests and foreign backing particularly from India, USA and several EU member states.
The government, through an unelected parliament, scrapped a popular constitution and promulgated an interim constitution throwing the country into chaos.
The election, even if it is held, isn’t likely to restore peace and stability as a secessionist has swelled in the south bordering India.
Many believe India is supporting the movement.
Nepal Army has been kept on full alert to meet any eventuality, without Maoist consent, although National Defence Council.
The Council first said police was competent to handle challenges posed by the violent election.
Ten persons were injured Monday in a bomb blast at Birgunj, near the venue of a Nepali Congress public meeting, including two children, hours before campaigning ended.
One person was injured in the capital at the entrance of the Birendra International Convention Center and two persons were injured in a blast at Inaruwa, Morang.
Rebel groups in the terai have claimed responsibility for blasts in the south where a forced strike has disrupted normal life.
Groups are opposed to the election which former US President Jimmy Carter came to observe and monitor Monday.
Maoists, Congress and CPN-UML clashed in many districts as campaigning ended.
Altogether 17.4 million people are for the first time casting two ballots; they only know parliamentary elections—the last election was held in 1999.
Mostly illiterate voters will be confused
when they enter the polling booth to cast two ballots; many will probably cast only one vote as in the past after the confusion.
In mock election at the capital’s TU Teaching Hospital this month, more than 30 percent of votes cast were invalid.
Election officer Rajendra Pandey was abducted in Mohottari Monday by a rebel group.
Nepal is heading towards further instability with and after election.
Maoists said they will only accept an election result whih is favourable to them; they charged 100,000 national and foreign observers of premeditated plans to void a vote if they are victorious.
Maoists have charged observers have already decided to confirm a vote in which Congress and CPN-UML are victorious.
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PM Koirala’s discusses anti-China demonstrations oassurance to Chinese ambassador

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 7 April Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Xialglin Monday discussed anti-China in Nepal suspended by Tibetan refugees during elections.
Discussions were held after China demanded protection for its nationals and property after attacks on the Chinese embassy by refugees.
Koirala assured the ambassador government won’t tolerate anti-China demonstrations of Tibetan refugees in the capital.
Koirala told Zhang government will also pursue a traditional one-China policy.
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