Kathmandu
12 April 2008
Allegations of intimidation of voters and other problems are tainting an otherwise positive assessment of Nepal's election. Initial results show the former Maoist rebels performing much better than expected in polling that will decide the future of the Himalayan country. VOA correspondent Steve Herman in Kathmandu reports international observers are weighing in with their views following the election.
International election observers in Nepal on Saturday described the historic polling as credible. But their reports note a range of problems from voters being intimidated to young children casting ballots.
The European Union says, so far, the process has passed several international standards.
The Maoists have won or are leading in about half of the constituencies whose ballots are being tabulated so far. Local media quote top Maoist leaders predicting they will secure a majority of the 601 seats for the special assembly.
The Maoists waged a protracted civil war against the government, calling for the monarchy to be abolished. The former rebels signed a peace pact in late 2006 and agreed to participate in the democratic process.
The few parties backing Nepal's King Gyanendra have fared poorly.
The constituent assembly, when it finally convenes, is to write a new constitution. But its first act will be to formally declare Nepal a republic, meaning the already sidelined and unpopular monarch has little hope of ever regaining power.