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Nepal's local polls to go ahead: King Gyanendra
The King vowed to go ahead with the municipal polls scheduled for February 8, dubbed as a "farce" by the opposition parties.
Nepal's King Gyanendra on Wednesday celebrated a year in power, claiming that terrorism had been contained and promised to hold municipal polls amidst a 'black day' call by the opposition.
He said Nepal was for friendly relations with all countries, including India and China.
He added that the country wants to benefit from two giant economies by acting as a transit point between them.
The King vowed to go ahead with the municipal polls scheduled for February 8, dubbed as a "farce" by the opposition parties.
He said, "constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy have already started and people are actively participating in the election".
In a televised address to the nation, he promised that "free and fair elections will be conducted.... The elections are the only means to guarantee people's rights consolidate democracy."
He also urged Maoists to join the mainstream by participating in the elections, claiming, "terrorist activities have narrowed down to just a few sporadic criminal activities."
He also defended the forthcoming Municipal elections despite a boycott called by the opposition and threats of disruption by the rebels.
The Monarch said that the new parliamentary elections would be held by 2007. Parliament was dissolved in 2002.
"Within three years of my rule all the elected bodies, including local government and the Parliament will be made representative," he claimed.
