Dr. Rhoderick Chalmers discussed issues related to the current situation in Nepal in advance of the February 8 elections and the anniversary of the King's royal coup last February 1.

The security situation in Nepal has taken a downward spiral. Violent protests surrounding the elections, the seizure of absolute rule and the crackdown on civil liberties, widespread arrest of protesters, and increased Maoist insurgents attacks create a backdrop for a situation that has raised the alarm among international observers.

The United States issued a statement that palace rule has "only made the security situation more precarious, emboldened the Maoist insurgents, and widened the division between the country's political parties and the king." The EU said the elections would be a backward step from democracy and condemned the royal government's repressive measures against the protesters.

Speakers

• Rhoderick Chalmers
  South Asia Deputy Project Director | International Crisis Group
• Colette Rausch, Co-Moderator
  U.S. Institute of Peace
• Christine Fair, Co-Moderator
  U.S. Institute of Peace

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