Nepal: Federal Democratic Republic
240-Year Old Monarchy is Peacefully Deposed
Just before midnight on Wednesday May 28th, 2008 Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic by the Constituent Assembly. The first meeting of newly elected Constituent Assembly ended 240-years long monarchy and for the first time in history of the nation, citizens have the power to decide Nepal’s destiny. United Kingdom, China, Japan, United States, India all welcomed the declaration and congratulated world’s youngest republic.
Fall of Shah Dynasty
Prithvi Narayan Shah, then King of Gorkha united several small principalities and formed modern Nepal in the year 1769 AD. The newly formed kingdom was home to many ethnic groups, cultural practices and deep seated mistrust of those belonging to different ethnicity. Prithvi Narayan tried to unite the country, not only politically but also culturally and socially.
His successors on the other hand, considered the regular citizens their property and felt entitled to lead a life of comfort and luxury even when the nation was deep in poverty. Nepal’s monarchy made little effort to improve living condition of the people, instead spending the tax payer money on expensive vacations, luxurious palaces and buying property for their kiln and confidants.
Over the years, the institution of monarchy lost its place in the Nepalese society. King, once considered reincarnation of Lord Vishnu (a Hindu God) lost the love and admiration of his people. Dissatisfaction peaked after King Gyanendra ascended the throne after this brother King Birendra and his family was killed under mysterious circumstances.
Eviction Notice to the King
After Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic, the King received an eviction notice. He has 15 days to vacate Narayanhiti Royal Palace, located at the heart of capital Kathmandu.
On May 30th,2008 Associated Press reported that deposed King is still in the palace but his daughter-in-law has left for a private residence. Nepalese government plans to turn the sprawling Narayanhiti palace into a national museum.
Growing Pains
Just hours after the country was declared a republic, Maoist chairman Prachanda showed a definitely undemocratic trait by threatening the media against criticizing his party. He signed out the country’s leading media organization Kantipur Publications and said that his party will not tolerate harsh words from journalists now that they have established themselves as a majority party in the Constituent Assembly.
Prachanda’s threat was quickly denounced by The Federation of Nepalese Journalists and the media community, but this outburst against the “fourth estate” of democracy is a sign that Nepal’s fragile democracy faces a rough road ahead.
