NEPALI PM ASKS KING TO POSTPONE ELECTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001925

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SA/INS
LONDON FOR POL - RIEDEL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2012
TAGS: PGOV NP GON
SUBJECT: NEPALI PM ASKS KING TO POSTPONE ELECTIONS

REF: A. (A) KATHMANDU 1901


B. (B) KATHMANDU 1781

Classified By: AMB MICHAEL E. MALINOWSKI. REASON: 1.5 (B,D).


1. (C) Sources at the Palace have informed the Ambassador
that on October 3 Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, citing
the King's broadly worded authority under Clause 127 of the
Constitution to remedy "difficulties" arising in the
implementation of the Constitution, requested King Gyanendra
to postpone mid-term elections scheduled for November 13.
The Prime Minister was acting on the all-party
recommendation, formulated September 30, that the security
situation is too perilous to permit electons at this time
(Ref A). The Palace said the King will consult with
Constitutional experts and leaders of other political parties
before responding to the request. The same source indicated
that the King will likely meet with the Ambassador October 4.
(Note: The King met with former Opposition Leader Madhav
Nepal and former Prime Minister G.P. Koirala October 2. End
note.) A source at the Prime Minster's Office has told us
that the PM requested the polling date be deferred until
November 19, 2003.


2. (C) Comment: There appears to be a substantial
difference of expert opinion regarding the legality of
postponing elections. The King is thus well advised to seek
the opinion of Constitutional experts before acting. Members
of other political parties--including the Communist Party of
Nepal - United Marxist Leninist (UML)--have told us their
party would participate in an interim government--even one
headed by the Prime Minister. The notable exception is
long-time Deuba rival and former Prime Minister G.P. Koirala,
who rescinded his party's endorsement of the all-party
recommendation a mere one day after it was issued. If all
other political parties jump on the interim government
bandwagon--and start divvying up the more desirable
portfolios--G.P. may well find himself isolated.
MALINOWSKI