News update from Nepal, 06 March 2006 News Update from Nepal 02 March 2006 The historic verdict of the Supreme Court on February 13 has put the Royal Commis­sion for Corruption Control(RCCC) to virtual downfall, terming it unconstitutional. King Gyanendra had constituted RCCC on February 16, 2005 through a royal decree under Article 127 to take action against the grand corruption. In the verdict the Supreme Court elaborated four points: the RCCC is unconstitutional; state power rests on the sovereign people; the King’s action can be challenged in the court and Article 127 can be invoked only to address constitutional difficulties. On the eve of February 19, the democracy day, King Gyanendra has called on“all willing political parties to come forth to fully acti­vate, at the earliest, the stalled democratic process in the greater interest of the nation.” He said,“Let us listen to others, put across our views, do away with discord and en­hance mutual understanding; let us consolidate peace and democracy.” He added,“In­spired by our glorious tradition of patriotism, those who have been misguided should, without further delay, enter the mainstream of peace and multiparty democracy, es­chewing the violent path of violence and destruction.” He said,“May this day inspire us to activate a democratic process dedicated to sustainable peace and welfare of the country as well as initiate a new chapter of understanding amongst all of us.” After­wards, King Gyanendra began to meet leaders of various political parties and individu­als at Pokhara. Those who have a long-term gaze of Nepal’s political developments now find new openings in politics through gestures, postures and changes in the style of politics. Municipal Elections On February 4, Home Minister Kamal Thapa accused“some media houses” of being operated by foreign“remote control.” He also alleged the Seven-Party Alliance(SPA) of being guided from some quarters and getting finance from them. Terming the SPA a supporter of the Maoists, Thapa alleged that the parties have terrorized candidates of the municipal polls, their family members and voters. On February 8, municipal elec­tions were held while major party leaders were being detained and SPA-Maoists effec­tively boycotted the polls. A cadre of CPN-UML was killed and the average voting par­ticipation was 20.5 percent. The RPP led by Home Minister Kamal Thapa has won the majority of seats. On February 10, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers Dr. Tulsi Giri reacted to the SPA,“If you create an environment for firing, security forces will do it. Every action is followed by a reaction. If you throw stones, another person will also throw stones.” He also termed the scathing international response to the municipal polls as“narrow minded.” The RPP(Kamal Thapa) faction is trying to forge an alliance with like-minded parties citing growing threats to democracy and nationalism. Sean McCormack, Spokesman of the Department of State, dubbed the election“a hol­low attempt” to legitimize the King’s power.“The only way to effectively deal with the threat posed by the Maoists is to restore democracy in Nepal.” He also criticized the 1