Many of us are dazed by the dramatic changes in the political landscape post-ceasefire, and especially after top Maoist leaders surfaced last week. To focus our minds on the task of peace-building that lies ahead, there is a need to look step-by-step at where we are and where we want to go.

The existing power balance between the king, the Maoists and the parliamentary parties will form the basis for a peace dialogue to craft a future polity. The timeline will depend on the sincerity of all parties towards peace, development and protection of human rights. The main issues to be resolved are:
. Is the monarch the source or patron of the constitution?
. Is there a way out of the constitutional deadlock?
. Can a roundtable conference play the role of an interim parliament?
. What happens to the Maoists\' \'people\'s liberation army\'?
. Are a constituent assembly and referendum the way out?
. Who and what will decide on the government of national unity?
. How can peace be institutionalised and sustained?

A lot will depend on the pattern, process and facilitation of the future dialogue. Click for the flowchart of the road ahead.

(Gauri Pradhan is director of the human rights group CWIN.)