Nepal polls may spell end for king

Analysts said the unpopular king is running out of options and his days may be numbered.

The government said Wednesday's local elections for mayors and other minor officials were part of moves to put Nepal back on the road to democracy after Gyanendra sacked the government and took control a year ago.

But only 20% of voters turned out, compared with more than 60% last time such polls were held

Analysts have called the poor turnout a resounding rejection in what was effectively a mini-referendum on royal rule.

The government blamed a boycott by political parties and threats by Maoist rebels

Lok Raj Baral, political lecturer at the Tribhuvan University, said on Thursday: "It has further deepened the crisis for the king.

"He has reached the point of no return. It helped further polarise political forces into monarchist and anti-monarchist. The king is alone. He is totally isolated internally and internationally."

The killing by soldiers of an anti-poll protester during the vote sparked protests in Kathmandu, with police firing teargas in one violent clash with brick-throwing youths on Thursday.

Later, 3000 protesters marched through residential streets demanding the release of the activist's body from a hospital morgue.

Hollow attempt

Diplomats fear that the political crisis and a 10-year Maoist revolt could spiral out of control and the country, sandwiched between India and China, could become a haven for international militant groups.

Washington described the polls as a "hollow attempt" by the monarch to legitimise his rule.

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