Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the prospects for stable government and economic development in Nepal in the current political climate; and whether they are giving any assistance to non-governmental organisations or others in relation to local, provincial, and national elections.

Nepal is at a pivotal moment. By early 2018, Nepal should have completed a set of elections bringing a new system of federal government into being, after a decade of insurgency and a similar period forming a new Constitution.

Broadly supported and inclusive elections would be a positive step towards greater stability. However challenges remain: expectations about what the new federal system can deliver will be high and not all communities are satisfied with the Constitution. Any associated political uncertainty or instability around the elections could dampen economic growth, which is currently forecast at 4% to 5% this fiscal year.

The Department for International Development is providing up to £1 million in assistance for local, provincial and federal elections in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark and Swiss Development Cooperation. This includes support for long term national NGO and international organisation monitoring of the political and electoral environment before, during and after the elections.