Maoists have changed: Carter

doweshowbellyad=0; Supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) celebrate results of the elections, in KathmanduKATHMANDU: Former US president Jimmy Carter, who is in Nepal to monitor the constituent assembly election process, said on Saturday the results indicated a major transition for the Himalayan state.
The Maoists spearheaded by Prachanda surged ahead in the landmark polls."If the Maoists do gain a substantial share of power I hope the United States will recognise and do business with the government," Carter said at a news conference on the conclusion of the election observation conducted by Carter Centre here.
The Maoists are still named as a terrorist organisation by the US government.
Describing the election as the "most profoundly important", he said it marked the end of a decade of political violence.
He said the Maoists have changed their behaviour by resorting to peaceful democratic process. Carter hoped the American government will reconsider its terrorist tag on the Maoists as they have already joined the democratic process.
Carter said with completion of the election the King will have no substantial political role but will remain as a citizen and enjoy the normal rights.
The EU described the election as a crucial step towards an inclusive democracy. It said the democratic process so far met several international standards despite a few instances of violence and attempts to disrupting the election.