Question

Describe the process of Nepal's transition from monarchy to democracy.

Hint:

Start with the 1990 movement and the constitutional monarchy, then the Maoist movement, the 2005 royal takeover, the 2006 people movement and the end of monarchy in 2008.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction:
Nepal was a Hindu kingdom for a long time. Its king held most of the power, even after the first steps towards democracy in the 1950s.
The change to a democratic republic came in stages between 1990 and 2008.

Step 2: Movement of 1990:
In 1990 a strong movement for democracy forced King Birendra to accept a new constitution.
The king stayed as head of state but agreed to be a constitutional monarch. Elections to the multiparty parliament followed.

Step 3: Maoist armed struggle:
From 1996 Maoist groups began an armed struggle against the monarchy and the elected governments.
They wanted to end monarchy and bring a new order. The violence affected a large part of the country and weakened the political system.

Step 4: Royal rule of 2002 and 2005:
In 2002 King Gyanendra dismissed the elected Prime Minister and dissolved the parliament.
In 2005 he took full control of the government. This angered the people and the political parties.

Step 5: People movement of April 2006:
In April 2006 huge pro-democracy demonstrations were held across Nepal. The Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists joined hands.
After about three weeks the king had to restore the dissolved House of Representatives. An interim arrangement was set up.

Step 6: End of monarchy:
Elections to the Constituent Assembly were held in 2008. The Assembly abolished the monarchy.
Nepal became a federal democratic republic and the king gave up his throne. A new constitution was later adopted in 2015.

Final Answer:
Nepal moved from absolute rule to constitutional monarchy in 1990, and to a federal democratic republic in 2008 after the people movement of 2006.