Activists affiliated with the 33-party alliance participate in a strike demanding the immediate withdrawal of the government’s decision to hold a Constituent Assembly election in November, in Kathmandu yesterday.
DPA/Kathmandu
A strike called by 33 parties in Nepal to protest an election called for November shut down transport, schools and markets yesterday, the parties said in a statement.
Enforcers vandalised vehicles in some places for defying the strike, Kantipur Television reported. Ambulances and vehicles carrying tourists were allowed to run.
The parties said they were demonstrating against the government’s “unilateral” decision to call the poll. On Thursday, the government called a Constituent Assembly election for November 19.
The 33 parties alliance, led by the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist and Federal Democratic Front Nepal (FDFN), said that the current government, which is led by the chief justice, is “unconstitutional” and cannot call an election.
Hardliner Maoist leader Mohan Vaidya has warned to boycott the elections. So far, the strike was largely peaceful across the country.
Security personnel have been deployed to prevent possible untoward situations.
In March, an interim government was formed headed by the Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi, is due to stay in office until the election.
In a televised address to the nation on Friday, Regmi called on the parties to give up their protests and participate in the election.
Nepal’s four largest political parties make most significant decisions, a situation resented by the smaller parties.
