The leaders of Nepal’s main political parties had finally yielded to the pressure by the Maoist former rebels. This comes after more than two months of arguing. Nepal’s Maoist former rebels had demanded a republican system be decided upon before instead of after the elections.
While the government has agreed to abolish the monarchy, it will not officially be done away the polls have taken place. The polls will be taking place next spring.
Leaders of the most powerful parties in Nepal including the Maoists have all signed the agreement. It is highly likely that the agreement will be passed by the parliament after the elections.
Three months ago, the Maoists left the government. They gave an ultimatum stating that they will not return unless the royal system was scrapped. Despite that, it is possible that many of Nepal’s citizens will be happy to have a republic instead of a monarchy.
The popularity of Nepal’s monarchy sunk when Gyanendra took the crown. His brother, the well-loved King Birendra was killed during the palace massacre of 2001. Gyanendra’s efforts to counter an insurgency by the Maoists made the very bad human rights situation even worse.
Nepal’s Maoists also had not stopped resorting to violent tactics from time to time.
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