Nepe - I find your perspectives very interesting. Personally, I think it's hard to accurately estimate which way the CA elections will go but I admire your guts for stepping up and making a prediction. I think a couple of things are key in deciding the outcome of the CA elections: (1) If the NC decides to go for a republic, then the game is over. End of story. The republicans will get a cake walk because all three major political forces will be on the same side. (2)If the NC decides to support constitutional monarchy (or 'ceremonial monarchy' as they'd probably call it) or worse stay nuetral then the outcome could go either way. As much as I found your characterization of NC and GPK's stands on the monarchy interesting, I honestly am not convinced that either of them are monarchists at heart. The monarchy has always been the biggest enemy of the Congress and vice-versa. Both would, deep down inside, be glad to see the other eliminated. I personally think GPK and the NC don't have very many options vis-a-vis the monarchy at this time. They can at best stay "neutral" on the subject. It will be hard for them to come out in favor of any form of Monarchy. But perhaps they will push for a ballot measure to accompany the CA elections that asks voters whether the CA should adopt a monarchial or republican setup. The NC can then go with whatever setup people choose. I would like to see the party come out swinging unequivocally in favor of a republic but I have my doubts about whether they will actually do such a thing. One another note, Prachanda is the man of the hour without a doubt. And he sure seems to be enjoying all the attention! :)