Mass protests lead to reinstatement of parliament and end of king's direct rule.
| Political | Global Trade |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
In the early 2000s, Nepal experienced political turmoil under King Gyanendra’s direct rule, which had been initiated after he dissolved the parliament and assumed executive powers. The king justified his actions by arguing that he aimed to control the Maoist insurgency and restore peace. However, his rule was marked by increasing suppression of civil liberties and a lack of democratic governance. Growing discontent among the population culminated in a series of protests and strikes organized by the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA), a coalition of major political parties, and supported by the Maoists.
The movement gained momentum as demonstrations spread across the country, with participants from diverse social and economic backgrounds demanding the reinstatement of the parliament and the end of the king's autocratic rule. The protesters faced significant challenges, including curfews, prohibitions on assembly, and violent crackdowns by security forces. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of individuals participated in the protests, which were characterized by their persistence and resilience despite harsh responses from the authorities.
Amid mounting pressure and widespread international condemnation of his actions, King Gyanendra announced his decision to reinstate the parliament. This act marked a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, paving the way for the re-establishment of democratic governance and the inclusion of Maoist representatives in mainstream politics. The reinstatement of the parliament subsequently led to the formation of an interim government, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution and overseeing the transition to a federal democratic republic.
The reinstatement had immediate and long-term impacts. In the short term, it brought an end to direct monarchical rule and restored political order, while also laying the groundwork for peace talks with the Maoists. In the long term, it marked a critical juncture in Nepal’s journey towards democratization, initiating a process that eventually resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.
This period is a decisive chapter in Nepal's political evolution, demonstrating the power of popular mobilization and collective action in achieving democratic reforms.
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Primary Reference: People's Participation in Conflict Transformation: A Case Study of ...
Location : Nepal

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