Observing Nepal’s Peace Process and Constitution Drafting Quarterly Report #10

The project, which began in September 2009 and is set to conclude in October 2012, aims to observe the implementation of the peace process and constitution drafting at the local level, conduct a limited observation of the Election Commission of Nepal's voter registration efforts, and issue regular public and private reports on the Center's findings. The project's activities are focused on several key areas, including observing the implementation of key political agreements, public engagement with the Constituent Assembly at the local level, and the effectiveness of local governance. The Carter Center has established a network of long-term observers who have visited 73 out of 75 districts in Nepal to date, holding approximately 343 meetings with stakeholders at the central and local levels. The observers have also tracked the functioning of the Constituent Assembly and the government, watching for efforts to increase public participation, particularly among historically marginalized groups. The Carter Center has released one public report and one open letter during the period of January 1 to March 31, 2012, focusing on voter registration and the need for progress on integration of Maoist combatants and drafting of a new constitution. The reports were delivered to all 601 CA members, as well as members of the CA Secretariat, and received press coverage in major English and Nepali papers. The project has also engaged with national and local political leaders to address political solutions, with President Carter sending letters to key leaders and Associate Director of the Democracy Program Dr. David Pottie participating in meetings with political leaders to assess the political situation prior to the constitutional deadline. The Carter Center has also held multiple meetings at the national and local levels with senior government and political party members, Nepali civil society, and members of the international community to discuss progress on the peace process and constitution drafting. In addition to these activities, the project has conducted regular briefing sessions with international stakeholders and coordinated closely with national stakeholders. Observers have also shared national findings from TCC public reports in their deployment areas, providing factual information on various parts of Nepal's transition as requested by interested groups. The project has also ensured gender and social inclusiveness in its activities, beneficiaries, and staff, with 50% of the Center's national staff belonging to a marginalized group and 50% of the international observers being female. The Carter Center's project in Nepal has made significant progress in promoting a consolidated post-conflict democracy, with a focus on observing the implementation of the peace process and constitution drafting at the local level. The project's activities have been well-received by stakeholders, with positive feedback from interlocutors and a desire for continued Carter Center support to the peace process.