Nepal in Chaos; Nepalis in Doubts

A nationwide opinion poll conducted last month by the research group Interdisciplinary Analysts shows that Nepalis still don’t have much faith in politicians. Respondents were also found to be surprisingly ill-informed about the constituent assembly elections.

As in previous polls, the largest proportion of those polled were undecided about which political party they would vote for if elections were held. This time, many also didn’t want to say who they’d vote for. Among those who had made up their minds, Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal is marginally more trusted than other leaders. Even so, support for the Maoists has eroded in the last six months.

As in a previous poll in October 2006, Nepalis are still divided on whether or not to keep the monarchy. Most of those who favour the monarchy want a ceremonial one but don’t like Gyanendra as king.

Close to two-thirds of the respondents want to be identified as Nepali and not by their ethnic group, and almost the same number say Nepali should be the only national language.

Nepalis care most about the rights to equality, property, freedom of expression and the right to information. Republicanism, federalism, and secularism may be the most-heard slogans from political groupings but they are lower down on the agenda. The fate of the monarchy is rated as the least pressing constitutional issue. Affirmative action for women and dalits, and autonomy are deemed more important.