Nepal is witnessing a surge in political unrest as thousands rally for the abolition of the Federal Republican Constitution and the restoration of the Constitutional Monarchy. Reports suggest that approximately 15,000 people gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome former King Gyanendra upon his return from Pokhara. This has reignited discussions on Nepal’s political trajectory, reflecting a history of periodic upheavals. A closer look at Nepal’s past political transformations highlights the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
Nepal’s Political Evolution: A History of Upheavals
Nepal’s political history has been shaped by significant shifts, often through confrontation rather than negotiation. The country ended 104 years of Rana oligarchical rule in 1950 through a revolution led by the Nepali Congress (NC). King Tribhuvan and Crown Prince Mahendra had fled to India, leaving baby Gyanendra as king until their return. However, by 1961, democracy was short-lived as King Mahendra dismissed the government, banned political parties, and introduced the partyless Panchayat system. This marked the beginning of Nepal’s cycles of political turmoil.
The 1970s saw increasing resistance, with a failed armed struggle in 1972. In 1979, a student-led protest against the execution of Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto escalated into nationwide unrest. King Birendra responded by announcing a referendum on governance, which upheld the Panchayat system despite allegations of election fraud. However, dissatisfaction persisted, leading to another mass movement in 1990 that reinstated multi-party democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
From Democracy to the Republican Era
The 1990 democratic transition initially seemed promising, with NC securing a majority in elections. However, internal conflicts within NC, coupled with opposition from the Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) party, led to government instability. A series of coalition governments followed, eroding public trust in political leadership.
Discontentment fueled the Maoist insurgency in 1996, which resulted in over 17,000 deaths and deep divisions among political forces. The situation worsened with the 2001 royal massacre, where King Birendra and his family were assassinated, reportedly by Crown Prince Dipendra. In the aftermath, King Gyanendra ascended the throne but soon lost public support due to his autocratic rule.
In response, Nepal’s political parties and Maoists joined forces under a 12-point agreement in 2005, ultimately leading to the abolition of the monarchy. The elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic in 2008, marking a historic political transformation.
Growing Public Discontent and Calls for Change
Despite achieving a republican system, Nepal continues to face economic and governance challenges. The exodus of youth seeking employment abroad, a struggling economy reliant on remittances, and allegations of corruption among leaders have fueled public frustration. Many citizens believe that political elites prioritize personal gains over national progress, leading to renewed calls for a system overhaul.
The recent protests advocating for the restoration of the monarchy reflect this discontent. However, history has shown that political transitions achieved through confrontation often result in prolonged instability. Nepal cannot afford further turmoil. A constructive dialogue is necessary to address the growing dissatisfaction while upholding democratic principles.
The Path Forward: Dialogue Over Defiance
The current political climate calls for a solution rooted in dialogue rather than conflict. One proposed approach is holding a round-table discussion involving all major political stakeholders. While referendums have been used in the past, this time, a more inclusive, consensus-driven approach could prove beneficial.
A potential solution could involve forming an all-party government comprising new, credible faces with a clear mandate. This government could oversee a referendum on crucial national issues, such as the restoration of the Hindu state and the monarchy, alongside local elections. Such measures would ensure that public sentiment is heard while maintaining constitutional integrity.
Nepal stands at a crossroads yet again, facing calls for systemic change amid political unrest. While historical trends suggest that transformation often occurs through confrontation, Nepal’s leaders must prioritize dialogue to prevent further instability. A transparent, inclusive approach—whether through a round-table discussion or a referendum—can help navigate the country’s political future while preserving democracy and stability.
