| Carter May Share Thoughts with White House: Pottie
The party in Kathmandu with Jimmy Carter is over-- a few notable handshakes, one-on-one meetings with political leaders and some exchange of views on how to go about conducting free and fair elections. Carter's call on the US to engage with Maoists was another highlight. But will the US government heed a former President's call? David Pottie, associate director of Democracy Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta, tells [read the brief interview] Newslook's Krishna Sharma that Carter might share his impressions with the White House.
Q. How do you view the current political development in Nepal?
A. The Carter Center is encouraged by the many important agreements that have sustained the peace process.
Q. What is your assessment of the ongoing peace process in Nepal?
A. The people of Nepal have clearly spoken in favor of peace and it is the responsibility of the political parties, especially those in the interim government, to respect that wish. With the support of the international community I believe Nepal has an opportunity to build new political institutions that can stand as an example of a truly consultative, inclusive and participatory democracy.
Q. The Nepali government has decided to hold the constituent assembly elections on Nov. 26. Do you think they would be prepared to hold elections by then? What do you think would help make the elections fair and participatory?
A. Credible elections in Nepal can only go forward once the political parties have come to agreement about the electoral system to be used for the constituent assembly and drafted the necessary election legislation.
The election commission has previously stated the need for an electoral calendar of at least 110 days to implement such laws. In addition to ensuring there is adequate time for the necessary logistical preparations, the security environment remains a serious concern in many parts of the country. Voter education is another important area to address since Nepali citizens have the right not only to choose elected representatives but also to understand how the election system functions. Finally, transparency and inclusive political dialogue at all levels is essential if the parties, candidates, and voters are to have confidence in the election results.
Q. We have heard that the Carter Center plans to urge the Bush Administration to withdraw the terrorist tag imposed on the CPN-Maoist party leaders. Is this information correct? If correct, when do you plan to approach the White House?
A. President Carter has stated his personal opinion that the US should establish some communication with the Maoists because they are part of the government of Nepal and the Nepali people have accepted them as a participant in that government. President Carter frequently shares his impressions with the White House and other political actors.
Q. What is the most satisfying aspect of Carter Delegation's visit to Nepal?
A. The Carter Center appreciates all those who gave their time to meet with the Center’s delegation and the warm welcome of the Nepali people. The Carter Center hopes that its continued presence and observation of the preparations for the constituent assembly elections may be of service.
Q. Is the Carter Center field office in Nepal going to be a permanent project?
A. The Carter Center has been invited to observe the preparation and conduct of the constituent assembly elections. At present we do not have other projects.