Path to Republic

We have been able to predict the outcomes of some of our most contentious political transitions over the years. Twenty years ago this week, we warned of the monarchy reverting to authoritarianism because that would push even the biggest proponents of constitutional monarchy towards republicanism.

That was exactly what happened. King Gynendra staged a coup d’état on 1 February 2005. Nepal abolished monarchy on 28 May 2008 after 240 years of royal rule. 

Excerpts of the editorial published on issue #225 10 – 16 December 2004:

A slew of statements in the past month hinting at a Poush One-type royal putsch is too deliberate to be a coincidence. First we had the government spokesman stirring a hornet’s nest on 11 November by wondering publicly about the possibility of reverting to authoritarianism.

Then there was a sense of disquieting déjà vu as we heard demands to set up a ‘royal advisory council’. Pliant party disgruntleds seem to be forging an alliance, and a younger generation of royals was newly vocal. On Thursday, a regional Raj Parishad meeting was inaugurated by King Gyanendra himself.

However much the political parties brought it on themselves with their shenanigans, and even though there are few indications that they have mended their wayward ways, we strongly advise against any temptation to reverse history. This will push even those who still believe our common future lies in constitutional monarchy and pluralistic democracy towards republicanism. Whoever is counselling this move is pushing the monarchy itself into a trap and the country into irreversible polarisation.

For archived material of Nepali Times of the past 20 years, site search: nepalitimes.com