10-Point Commitment made by the Leaders of the Main Political Parties

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Country/entity: Nepal
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: 10-Point Commitment made by the Leaders of the Main Political Parties
Date: 1 Apr 2008
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Nepalese Insurgency (1996 - 2006)
Inspired by the Maoist insurgency in Peru in the early 1990s, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) – CPN(M) – declared war on the Nepalese government in February 1996. A key demand was the transformation of Nepal from a monarchy into a ‘People’s Republic’. Following a pronounced Maoist military strategy, the CPN(M) focused their insurgency on the rural areas. They gained significantly in strength and it took heavy international military support to stabilize the Nepalese government in 2002. After public protests escalated in Kathmandu in 2004, the Nepalese King Gyanendra took authoritarian control over the government. In the cities, a strong popular movement for democracy emerged, forcing the government into fast progressing peace negations in 2006 that concluded with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Accord on 21 November 2006.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Nepal peace process
Parties: 1 Nepali Congress, President Girija Prasad Koirala, Sd.
2 Nepal Communist Party (UML), General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sd.
3 Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Chairman Prachanda, Sd.
Third parties: -
Description: An agreement between the Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party (UML), and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) regarding the conduct of the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections.

Agreement document: NP_080401_10PointCommitment.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 1, 1: The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008. This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense. The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation. Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
a) No one shall disturb or obstruct any programmes, including political campaigns organised by any political party or candidate, and shall conduct all programmes in a peaceful manner.
Elections: Page 1, 1: The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008. This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense. The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation. Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.

Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
a) No one shall disturb or obstruct any programmes, including political campaigns organised by any political party or candidate, and shall conduct all programmes in a peaceful manner.
b) No one shall make any statements that may incite the peaceful environment of election.
c) No one shall engage in, or cause others to engage in, any acts of threatening, physically assaulting, threatening, or exerting psychological pressure on voters. The p administration shall take action against persons carrying out such activities.
d) No one shall obstruct any party, candidates or their supporters and well-wishers from campaigning in an area in the pretext it being one’s stronghold.
e) All shall fully abide by, and enforce, the Election Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission.
f) No one shall engage in, or engage others in, activities such as carrying and displaying weapons, including sticks, khukuri and spears and spread terror and aggression. The Government shall immediately arrest and take action against anyone involved in such activities.
g) An all-party apparatus shall be formed at district level to hold the election in an easy, peaceful and smooth manner. Distinguished persons from a cross-section of professions in the district shall also be included in the machinery.
h) The District Administration Office and the police shall make arrangements for a hotline to collect immediate information about violations of the Code of Conduct and incidents that disrupt the peaceful environment of election, and anyone disrupting the peaceful environment of election shall be arrested immediately and action taken against such persons.
i) The Government shall expedite its effort to investigate incidents of murder and violence in the course of election and take action against those found guilty.
j) An effective monitoring committee comprising representatives of civil society shall be constituted at central level to help resolve problems faced in holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner. The implementation of all past agreements, including the 23-Point Agreement, shall be stressed.
Electoral commission: Page 1, 2:
e) All shall fully abide by, and enforce, the Election Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 1, 1: The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008. This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense. The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation. Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.

Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...j) An effective monitoring committee comprising representatives of civil society shall be constituted at central level to help resolve problems faced in holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner. The implementation of all past agreements, including the 23-Point Agreement, shall be stressed.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitutional reform/making
Page 1, 1: The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008. This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense. The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation. Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Vote and take part
Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: Page 1, 1: The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008. This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense. The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation. Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.

Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media logistics
Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...h) The District Administration Office and the police shall make arrangements for a hotline to collect immediate information about violations of the Code of Conduct and incidents that disrupt the peaceful environment of election, and anyone disrupting the peaceful environment of election shall be arrested immediately and action taken against such persons.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...f) No one shall engage in, or engage others in, activities such as carrying and displaying weapons, including sticks, khukuri and spears and spread terror and aggression. The Government shall immediately arrest and take action against anyone involved in such activities.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...h) The District Administration Office and the police shall make arrangements for a hotline to collect immediate information about violations of the Code of Conduct and incidents that disrupt the peaceful environment of election, and anyone disrupting the peaceful environment of election shall be arrested immediately and action taken against such persons.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...f) No one shall engage in, or engage others in, activities such as carrying and displaying weapons, including sticks, khukuri and spears and spread terror and aggression. The Government shall immediately arrest and take action against anyone involved in such activities.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: Transitional justice→Courts→National courts
Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...i) The Government shall expedite its effort to investigate incidents of murder and violence in the course of election and take action against those found guilty.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 1, 2: The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely. Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.
...j) An effective monitoring committee comprising representatives of civil society shall be constituted at central level to help resolve problems faced in holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner. The implementation of all past agreements, including the 23-Point Agreement, shall be stressed.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Asian Study Center for Peace & Conflict Transformation (2011), From Conflict to Peace in Nepal: Peace Agreements 2005-2010.

10-Point Commitment made by the Leaders of the Main Political Parties

The meeting of the top leaders held today at the Prime Minister’s Residence, Baluwatar has taken the following decisions:

1. The Constituent Assembly election is being held on April 10, 2008.

This election will usher in historical change in Nepal and will vest sovereignty in the people in the real sense.

The election will prove to be a great achievement of the Nepalese people as a campaign to restore sustainable peace as per their aspirations, to institutionalise democracy, to achieve prosperity of the country and to build a new Nepal as an independent, self- respecting, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Expressing strong commitment to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, we appeal to all political parties, electoral candidates, civil society, people of different professions and occupations, and all citizens to make the election a success.

2. The foundation of democracy can be strengthened only by respecting and safeguarding the people’s right to vote freely.

Therefore, expressing the following commitments for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, we urge all concerned to conduct their activities accordingly.

a) No one shall disturb or obstruct any programmes, including political campaigns organised by any political party or candidate, and shall conduct all programmes in a peaceful manner.

b) No one shall make any statements that may incite the peaceful environment of election.

c) No one shall engage in, or cause others to engage in, any acts of threatening, physically assaulting, threatening, or exerting psychological pressure on voters.

The p administration shall take action against persons carrying out such activities.

d) No one shall obstruct any party, candidates or their supporters and well-wishers from campaigning in an area in the pretext it being one’s stronghold.

e) All shall fully abide by, and enforce, the Election Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission.

f) No one shall engage in, or engage others in, activities such as carrying and displaying weapons, including sticks, khukuri and spears and spread terror and aggression.

The Government shall immediately arrest and take action against anyone involved in such activities.

g) An all-party apparatus shall be formed at district level to hold the election in an easy, peaceful and smooth manner.

Distinguished persons from a cross-section of professions in the district shall also be included in the machinery.

h) The District Administration Office and the police shall make arrangements for a hotline to collect immediate information about violations of the Code of Conduct and incidents that disrupt the peaceful environment of election, and anyone disrupting the peaceful environment of election shall be arrested immediately and action taken against such persons.

i) The Government shall expedite its effort to investigate incidents of murder and violence in the course of election and take action against those found guilty.

j) An effective monitoring committee comprising representatives of civil society shall be constituted at central level to help resolve problems faced in holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner.

The implementation of all past agreements, including the 23-Point Agreement, shall be stressed.

1 Nepali Congress, President Girija Prasad Koirala, Sd.

2 Nepal Communist Party (UML), General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sd.

3 Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), Chairman Prachanda, Sd.

April 1, 2008