I have been really impressed by the CAE analysis on this thread - especially for its neutrality. Well, as for my two cents, I have a feeling the maoist victory was the result of Nepalese people's craving for a political shakeup. It is also true that there have been cases of booth capture and goodnagardi but there had been such cases in the past elections as well.

Now, the big question is : will the maoists stick to or even remail close to their "people's war"-days agenda?  Will they try to be a true communist government or veer towards left-to-the-centre status like UML? Do they have enough political unity and the guts to bring about radical changes in the political and the social arena? How democratic are they going to be? Since they are now a part of a multi-party democracy they will have no choice but to be democratic to a very large extent. What about the social freedom that the Nepalese have enjoyed lately? What will be the fate of religious minorities (esp Christians) and other minorities (like gays and lesbians)? Will they continue to enjoy their freedom of speech and freedom of movement?

There is another side of the picture - the royal palace, which has been a silent observer lately. What will be their reaction? The army has been traditionally very loyal to the crown. Will there be a shakeup in the army too? Or will there be a coup?

What about economy? International policy?

Well, all I have are questions but I do not have any answers or even any theories. I am not a political pundit. Just curious. And I think I will have to wait till time answers my questions.

Amen