Assignment on popular struggles in nepal and bolivia
Answers
In April 2006, Nepal experienced an extraordinary popular movement. The agenda of the movement was to restore democracy. People fought to regain the popular control over the government from the king.
Nepal is a third wave country. It won democracy in 1990. Post that, the king used to formally the head of the state but the real power was exercised by the elected representatives. The king Birendra accepted this transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Sadly, he and his entire family were massacred in 2001.
The new king appointed was King Gyanendra. He, however, was not ready to accept democratic rule. On February 2005 he dismissed the Prime minister and dissolved the popularly elected Parliament.
Bolivia’s Water War Against Privatization of Water
Bolivia is relatively poorer and a small country in Latin America. The World Bank forced the government to let go their control over the municipal water supply. Their government sold off these rights to an MNC. This MNC immediately increased the prices to four times. To fight against this:
A new alliance of labor, human rights, and community leaders came together in January 2006. They formed a successful strike for four days in the city. Thereafter, the govt. agreed to negotiate but nothing happened.
In February, agitation was started again. Now, the police resorted to brutal repression.
People again organized a strike in April. This time the government imposed martial law.
However, people were adamant and forced the officials of MNC to leave the city. They even made the govt concede to all demands.
As a result of this, the contract with the MNC was canceled. This led to the passing the authority of water supply to the municipality at old rates. This was Bolivia’s water war.
Democracy and Popular Struggles of Nepal & Bolivia
Similarities
The political conflict led to popular struggles.
Mass mobilization is there in both cases.
Political organizations had a critical role to play.