Nepal: During their decade-long people's war, thousands of Nepal's Maoist rebels endured harsh jungle treks, disease and fire fights with troops. But now their cadres may face tougher nuts to crack - the ballot box and frail villagers like Saili Bika. "I don't trust Maoists. They are killers. I have no hopes for these shits, the 68-year-old low caste, barefoot villager said by her mud hut where she eked a living as a part-time tool maker. Bhakundebesi valley, about two hours drive from Kathmandu, used to be a Maoist bastion.

Dozens of police and soldiers were killed here only two years ago in two ambushes, before a peace deal was signed in 2006 and elections were called. While the Maoists do enjoy some support in this steep, fertile valley, many villagers like Bika will not vote for them in April elections that will draw up a new Constitution and appoint a Parliament to run one of the world's poorest countries.

The elections, the first in around nine years, are touted as a landmark for Nepal, heralding the abolition of a 240-year-old monarchy and ushering in stability for this nation wedged. The Maoists, whose guerrilla army numbered nearly 20,000 fighters before they gave up arms in 2006, may have huge leverage. The war saw the Maoists control swathes of rural territory. That presence is still felt, and painted hammers and sickle adorn the valley's main road.

But many Nepalis wonder if this disciplined organisation hardened by conflict has given up the very violent tactics that even detractors say helped bring issues of social and economic change to a near feudal Nepal. The Maoists have already said they will have 200 cadres at each polling station in April, sparking worries in rural areas of booth capturing - intimidating villagers into voting for them.

Ten leading editors of Nepal's media last year accused the Maoists of attacking press freedom through a sinister pattern of intimidation and threats. The statement came after a Maoist union obstructed publication of two leading dailies in Kathmandu. "I want to urge Maoist leaders to end threats and intimidation of political workers during the elections," Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who leads the interim government that includes the Maoists, said this month.

The US State Department said in its human rights report this year the Maoists frequently employed arbitrary and unlawful use of lethal force, including torture and abduction. Violence, extortion, and intimidation continued throughout the year. The issue divides Nepal. Critics say the Maoists will take power by any means, and have little genuine democratic bent.

Supporters say they are making a painful transition from the jungles to the ballot box, from extreme to centrist politics. They are the only party to have something new to say, said Kunda Dixit, editor of the Nepali Times. But the problem is that extortion, intimidation and violence are ruining their chances at the polls.

Source : UNI