Compromise Proposal for Nepal

An unofficial compromise proposal by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, submitted to Nepal's political leaders to serve as a basis for further discussion.

After having met with as many political leaders and private citizens as possible, I find it obvious that serious obstacles remain to a successful resolution of the present debate that can lead to a Constituent Assembly and a national constitution. There is considerable distrust among the parties, with some believing that the Nepali Congress party is excessively interested in preserving its current position and others doubting the willingness of the Maoists to go to elections.

Realizing that a final agreement will have to be made by consensus of the parliamentarians, I would like to make a proposal, obviously to be modified through further discussion and debate:

MONARCHY TO A REPUBLIC:

The interim parliament can declare with an overwhelming vote that a republic is created in Nepal, to be confirmed by a simple majority of the newly elected members of the Constituent Assembly as their first order of business when the Assembly convenes. This will be a strong incentive for all political parties to consummate a successful election.

ELECTORAL SYSTEM:

Subject to future changes under a new constitution that will shape a permanent government, the present stalemate can be ended by allotting 70 percent of the Constituent Assembly seats by proportional representation and 30 percent by "first past the post." In addition, eight seats can be allotted to each of the three major political parties and one each to the minor parties.

A time-limited round-table discussion on any final agreement should include representatives of the marginalized groups, since they will be deeply affected by the decision.

PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS:

It is crucial that previous agreements be implemented vigorously, since they are integrally related to the building of adequate trust and confidence necessary for future relations. These should include:

• Cantonment payments, living conditions, and discharge of minors and other unauthorized persons;
• Land return, aided by the establishment of a blue-ribbon land commission;
• Cessation of Maoist and YCL violence and intimidation;
• Status of disappeared people;
• Compensation of war victims;
• Implementation of agreements with Madhesis and Janajatis;
• Security sector reform and integration of the PLA; and
• Increased support and supervision of police in the Terai and in other regions where law and order is threatened.
• The general public should be kept fully informed about progress on all these issues.

Learn more about the Carter Center's work in Nepal

24 November 2007: Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Nepal

23 November 2007: Address by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Nepal's Parliament

6 October 2007: Carter Center Statement on the Nepal Election Delay

3 October 2007: Nepal's Peace Process at Critical Juncture; Carter Center Appeals to all Nepali Political Actors to Work Together for Elections

10 August 2007: Carter Center Urges Nepal to Continue Progress for Nov. 22 Elections

16 June 2007: Statement by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Nepal

12 June 2007: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Visit Nepal

8 June 2007: The Carter Center International Election Observation Mission in Nepal: Second Pre-Election Statement

16 April 2007:  Pre-Election Statement: Carter Center Election Observation Mission in Nepal

9 March 2007:  The Carter Center Deploys Election Observers in Nepal