In the focus on constitution-writing, let's not forget about the economy, including reconstruction and development.
The people of Nepal have voted for radical change. By sidelining old, established parties, and opting for the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), the people have given the Maoists the benefit of the doubt. The party now has a historic opportunity to show that it can effectively deliver better governance, infrastructure and basic services, as well as greater social justice, than either the other political parties or the previous royal regimes, which squandered their chances to do so.
Like the people of Nepal, the international community is also giving the Maoists the benefit of the doubt. Indeed, respecting the verdict of the Nepali people, the international community has pledged to work constructively with the Maoists both in formulating a new constitution, and in supporting reconstruction and development efforts.
In their election manifesto and post-election statements, the Maoists have pledged to prioritise the bringing-about of an "economic revolution". For most Nepalis, the Maoist promise to usher in an economic revolution probably had greater appeal than did their political and ideological offerings. The worldwide experience of countries in post‑conflict transition suggests that, for peace and democracy to be sustainable, ambitious and visible reconstruction and development activities need to be planned and implemented in order to create jobs and give hope to the country's restless unemployed youth.