Thursday, March 5, is a red-letter day for Nepal. As the Himalayan country votes in a high-stakes general election, a surprising theme has resurfaced in the politics of the country—calls for restoring the monarchy nearly two decades after the royal institution was abolished.
Nepal was ruled for centuries by the Shah dynasty, culminating in the reign of former king Gyanendra of Nepal. However, the monarchy came to an end after decades of political instability in the country.
In 1990, Nepal transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy after mass protests. However, from 1996-2006, a Maoist insurgency destabilised the country. In 2005, King Gyanendra dissolved Parliament and took direct control, which led to protests across the country. Three years later, a newly elected Constituent Assembly abolished the monarchy and declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic.
Since then, the former royal palace in Kathmandu has been converted into a museum, symbolising the end of royal rule.
Why Is The Monarchy Back In News?
However, the feelings towards the monarchy were never completely eradicated, and there are a number of factors that have, in recent times, added to the debate on the issue.
Instability in the political environment:The political environment in Nepal has been unstable, and there have been dozens of governments in the country since 1990, with many falling before completing a term in office. This has led to a situation where people are turning to the monarchy as a solution.
Increased levels of frustration among the population:The protests that have been witnessed in the country in recent times, such as the Gen Z protests in 2025, where the youth protested against corruption and the government, are a clear indicator that there is a growing level of frustration among the population.
Pro-monarchy protests:Thousands of protesters gathered in the streets of Kathmandu, demanding that the king be brought back and that the country should revert to a Hindu kingdom, rather than a secular republic that it is today, and that the protesters chanted slogans such as “Bring back the king" and welcomed the former monarch when he appeared in public.
Do They Have Political Backing?
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
