Nepal: Democracy to Monarchy?

With sizable demonstrations and swiftly rising public support, pro-monarchy groups are gaining traction in Nepal.

Pro-Republican parties are finding it difficult to respond to this. It is becoming more difficult for the mainstream parties to hold onto their positions in the republic as the political landscape changes. The rise in support for monarchy is undermining the power of the existing political system.

Even though the 2006 rebellion overthrew King Gyanendra, support for his reinstatement is growing, especially on social media.

Leaders of the ruling party have cautioned the former king and pro-monarchy organizations to adhere to the 2008 political boundaries. Political stability and the position of the current elite are under threat from this growing pro-monarchy trend.

Power of common people

To welcome former King Gyanendra, who has been in Pokhara for two weeks attending activities, the RPP is organizing a sizable gathering in Kathmandu on Sunday.

In an effort to influence pro-republican forces to reevaluate the monarchy’s place in Nepali politics, the party hopes to attract hundreds of thousands of adherents. Senior RPP vice president Rabindra Mishra underlined the necessity of a fresh deal on how to incorporate monarchy into Nepal’s democratic system.

Security officials project fewer than 10,000 attendees at Sunday’s march, despite pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu group participation. Former King Gyanendra’s visits to western Nepal, welcomed by large crowds, have fueled claims that the monarchy is vital to Nepal’s future.

Former King Gyanendra’s visits to western Nepal, where large crowds welcomed him, have fueled claims that the monarchy is vital to Nepal’s future.

Proponents argue that the monarchy is crucial for resolving current issues and that the Shah dynasty aided the nation’s development. It is estimated that between 40,000 and 45,000 individuals may arrive in Kathmandu.

According to Singh, former King Gyandednra is estimated to land in Kathmandu at 3:30 pm on Sunday.

Possible reasons to favour monarchy in Nepal

In the past, the desire for a democratic republic, seen as more representative of the people, drove the dissolution of the monarchy. People perceived the Shah monarchy, especially under Gyanendra, as a hindrance to political stability and democratic progress. The decision to dissolve the monarchy stemmed from its role in the 2005 coup and ignoring the people’s complaints.

After the abolition, authorities withdrew Gyanendra’s royal title and privileges, allowing him to live as a private citizen. When Nepal proclaimed itself a federal democratic republic, elected officials and a president replaced the monarchy.

But now most people think that during Nepal’s political unrest, the monarchy brought stability. King Birendra reinforced the idea of monarchy as a stabilizing force by instituting constitutional monarchy and aiding Nepal’s peaceful transition to multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Issues including corruption, bad governance, and ineffective leadership have left many people disenchanted with Nepal’s political parties. These individuals might see the monarchy as an impartial, unifying leader who could transcend political divides and offer efficient government. Despite disagreements on social media, Parliament has taken up Shah’s initiative.