Nepal, Feb. 20 -- On the eve of Democracy Day, former King Gyanendra Shah re-emerged with an eight-minute video message, once again hoisting the banner of "national consensus."

He acknowledged periodic elections as a normal democratic exercise. Yet, he argued that given the current turmoil, national problems must be resolved before the country heads to the polls. The tone was calm, the language soft, the appeal emotional. But beneath the composure lie sharper questions: What kind of consensus? Led by whom? And above all, how can it supersede constitutional procedure?

The timing is hard to ignore. His call coincides with the detention of figures accused of anti-election activities. Durga Prasai remains in police custody. Communist leader...