What's going on in Nepal Politics? Information about Political Situation in Nepal | Latest
Things work surprisingly well when the government gets out of the way-sometimes.
Prior to the deadline it did get a bit scary. One day my assistant and I were going to go to Kathmandu for something and when we got to the main road all I could see were people with political flags and I could not see one car or motorcycle on the entire road in either direction. “Oh my God! No!” I started to panic. I insisted that we get off that road and stay in Bhaktapur for the day, even though the young men monitoring the strike would let us pass, since I am obviously a westerner. They never want to involve a foreigner in their political issues.
Even when there were roadblocks or other obstacles they usually just wave me through. For example, one day a Chinese dignitary came to Bhaktapur and they had to close off the old city for the person. I was motioned in and got to take a few pictures of the famous person. I was having fun trying to figure out which one was the famous person, probably the older woman with the hat and white jacket. If you know, please leave a comment.
They call all of us ‘tourists’ even when we have business visas and live here permanently. Another funny label they give all westerners is 'American.' Sometimes they get the US mixed up with the UK and think I’m an American from Great Britain. But their geography is admirable. I am impressed by how much knowledge many Nepali have about America.
We are into the monsoon season, but you would never know it by looking out the window. It started with a bang but seemed to fizzle out for a bit. The locals have planted rice and are starting to worry about getting enough rain now. It isn’t all that hot when you consider how hot it is elsewhere in summer. If you want air conditioning in your guest house you will have to pay up to $20 a day for it. It’s probably best to get over it and just know you will be hot here sometimes. If you stay in Bhaktapur, Kapan, or any of the other villages higher in elevation you will really be glad you did. Less pollution and a nicer breeze. It always cools down in the evenings.
It is interesting to understand a little history of Nepal in order to understand what’s going on right now in the government. There are many ethnic groups in Nepal, all speaking their own language and having distinct and diverse traditions. It seems to me, just an expat living in Nepal, that many of the Nepali are their ethnic origin such as Newari or Chhetri first and Nepali second.
In this very small country there are so many divisions that it is very difficult to get everyone to agree on anything. There is a need to federalize the country, but the groups seem to see this as a threat to the individuality of their caste. I read in the newspaper last month that a man from a homeless, nomadic tribe of forest dwellers came to Kathmandu to protest and make sure his people would not be left out of government representation. He wasn’t asking for land for his people or anything like that, just to have his nomadic way of life guaranteed for future generations.
In this very small country there are so many divisions that it is very difficult to get everyone to agree on anything. There is a need to federalize the country, but the groups seem to see this as a threat to the individuality of their caste. I read in the newspaper last month that a man from a homeless, nomadic tribe of forest dwellers came to Kathmandu to protest and make sure his people would not be left out of government representation. He wasn’t asking for land for his people or anything like that, just to have his nomadic way of life guaranteed for future generations.
Next is the issue of a country with a very long tradition of monarchy. Up until about 10 years ago there was a king that the people loved. Now, with no education in politics many of the Nepali see the chaos that the country struggles with now and longs for the return of a king, as if that were the only choice. So, with these things in mind, it is easy to understand how the situation is progressing.
They are almost all Hindu or Buddhist so there is no religious struggle like elsewhere. When I ask if a person is Hindu or Buddhist I often get an answer like, “Same, same.” There doesn’t even seem to be a prejudice toward Christian or Muslim either, probably because there are so few of them they are unable to make much noise. They do have a lovely mosque and several Christian churches here in the Valley. During the Christmas season last year I finally found a Christmas tree. The Christian man at the guest house assumed I identified with Christianity and said, “We believe in the invisible god.” Religion here is a matter of choice, not ‘my invisible friend is better than yours.’ So, there is little or no animosity from one group to the other; they are just trying to make their own way and get their needs met.
They are almost all Hindu or Buddhist so there is no religious struggle like elsewhere. When I ask if a person is Hindu or Buddhist I often get an answer like, “Same, same.” There doesn’t even seem to be a prejudice toward Christian or Muslim either, probably because there are so few of them they are unable to make much noise. They do have a lovely mosque and several Christian churches here in the Valley. During the Christmas season last year I finally found a Christmas tree. The Christian man at the guest house assumed I identified with Christianity and said, “We believe in the invisible god.” Religion here is a matter of choice, not ‘my invisible friend is better than yours.’ So, there is little or no animosity from one group to the other; they are just trying to make their own way and get their needs met.
As far as I can tell, there is no hatred for anyone by the Nepali people, except maybe towards the politicians. And that brings us to the actual problem within the problem. When the people finally get to vote, when the constitution is finally written, there isn’t likely to be a Politician left standing in Parliament. And, in my humble opinion, that is at the core of the issue, staying in power.
If saving money and learning your way around society here is important to you, you will enjoy my book, Nepal: On a Budget. There are several pages you can read and the table of contents under the ‘Sample of the Book’ tab. This part of the book that I really want to share with you are the three lists that will help you get your vacation off to a great start. Following the advice from the lists will net you some real savings.