Kathmandu: A top international think tank has expressed concern that Nepal's crucial constituent assembly elections on April 10 could be marred by political violence.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) said public security has been dismal, with armed groups active in Nepal's southern Terai plains determined to disrupt the elections. In its latest report entitled, Nepal's Election and Beyond, the Brussels-based think tank pointed out that violence and intimidation, which have dogged the campaign, were the main challenges in the days to come.

It also cautioned that the post-poll period will likely be difficult and dangerous. Earlier this week, top Nepali leaders signed a 10-point deal to curb rising election-related violence in the country. The United Nations, which was invited to assist with the polls and monitor former Maoist guerrillas confined to camps around the country, has also warned that the continuing violence could derail the election.

The ICG alleged that the Maoists are responsible for the most systematic attacks on other parties, but they have also been the greatest victims. The ICG report, posted on its website, examines the challenges in the run-up to the elections and calls upon the seven-party coalition, including the Maoists, to prepare for difficult negotiations in the post-poll period in order to manage a transition to a new government.

The constituent assembly election on April 10 are a key element of the landmark 2006 peace deal that ended the decade-long civil war and brought the Maoists into the mainstream politics. It is designed to elect a special assembly to frame a new constitution and decide the fate of the 239-year old monarchy in the country.

Source : PTI