Nepal

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Politics of Nepal takes place in a framework of a monarchy in transition to a parliamentary democracy. Currently, the Prime Minister of Nepal is the head of government. Nepal has a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Nepal House of Representatives. Nepal is (still) a monarchy that is multiethnic, multilingual, and Hindu, that retains the king in the role of head of state. On 1 February 2005 King Gyanendra dissolved the government and assumed emergency powers. Following the 2006 Loktantra Andolan, however, the parliament has been reinstated. The king of Nepal is known as the Raja; his Queen is known as the Rani. ... Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King of Nepal (Nepali: ज्ञानेन्द्र वीर विक्रम शाहदेव; Gyānendra Vīra Vikrama Śāhadeva) (born July 7, 1947) has been the King of Nepal since June 4, 2001. ... The position of Prime Minister of Nepal was created in 1799. ... Girija Prasad Koirala at the UN Summit Girija Prasad Koirala (born 1921) is the Prime Minister of Nepal. ... The Parliament (Sansad) of Nepal has two chambers: The House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha) has 205 members elected for five year term in single-seat constituencies. ... The National Assembly of Nepal has 60 members, 10 nominated by the king, 35 elected by the House of Representatives and the remaining 15 elected by an electoral college made up of chairs of villages and towns. ... The House of Representatives of Nepal consists of 205 members directly elected by the people. ... Nepals constitution of 1990 provides for a multi-party system. ... Politics of Nepal Categories: Election related stubs | Elections in Nepal ... Elections for a constituent assembly will be held in Nepal in June 2007. ... The Sarbochha Adalat is the Supreme Court of Nepal. ... There are 14 zones in Nepal. ... now. ... // India and PRC As a small, landlocked country wedged between two larger and far stronger powers, Nepal maintains good relations with both India and the Peoples Republic of China. ... The Democracy movement in Nepal (Loktantra Andolan in Nepali) is a name given to the ongoing political agitations against the rule of King Gyanendra of Nepal. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... Places where monarchies maintain rule appear in blue. ... A parliamentary system, or parliamentarism, is distinguished by the executive branch of government being dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. ... The position of Prime Minister of Nepal was created in 1799. ... The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... The House of Representatives of Nepal consists of 205 members directly elected by the people. ... Places where monarchies maintain rule appear in blue. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King of Nepal (Nepali: ज्ञानेन्द्र वीर विक्रम शाहदेव; Gyānendra Vīra Vikrama Śāhadeva) (born July 7, 1947) has been the King of Nepal since June 4, 2001. ... A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend certain normal functions of government, may work to alert citizens to alter their normal behaviors, or may order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. ... Loktantra Andolan (Nepali for Democracy Movement) is a name given to the ongoing agitations against the rule of King Gyanendra of Nepal. ...

Political conditions

Until 1990, Nepal was an absolute monarchy running under the executive control of the king. Faced with a people's movement against the absolute monarchy, King Birendra, in 1990, agreed to large-scale political reforms by creating a parliamentary monarchy with the king as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of the government. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A constitutional monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges a hereditary or elected monarch as head of state. ... Queen Elizabeth II, is the Head of State of 16 countries including: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand and the Bahamas, as well as crown colonies and overseas territories of the United Kingdom. ... The head of government is the leader of the government or cabinet. ...

Nepal's legislature was bicameral consisting of a House of Representatives and a National Council. The House of Representatives consist of 205 members directly elected by the people. The National Council had 60 members, 10 nominated by the king, 35 elected by the House of Representatives and the remaining 15 elected by an electoral college made up of chairs of villages and towns. The legislature had a five-year term, but was dissolvable by the king before its term could end. All Nepalese citizens 18 years and older became eligible to vote. In government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. ... House of Representatives is a name used for legislative bodies in many countries. ... The National Council of Nepal has 60 members, 10 nominated by the king, 35 elected by the House of Representatives and the remaining 15 elected by an electoral college made up of chairs of villages and towns. ...

The executive comprised the King and the Council of Ministers (the Cabinet). The leader of the coalition or party securing the maximum seats in an election was appointed as the Prime Minister. The Cabinet was appointed by the king on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Council of the European Union forms, along with the European Parliament, the legislative arm of the European Union (EU). ... A cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. ...

Governments in Nepal have tended to be highly unstable; no government has survived for more than two years since 1991, either through internal collapse or parliamentary dissolution by the monarch.

In the first free and fair elections in Nepal in 1991, Nepali Congress was victorious. The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ...

The 1994 election defeat of the Nepali Congress Party by the UML made Nepal the world's first communist-led monarchy, with Man Mohan Adhikary prime minister. In mid-1994, the Parliament was dissolved due to dissension within the Nepali Congress Party. The subsequent general election, held 15 November 1994, gave no party a majority and led to several years of unstable coalition governments. As of the May 1999 general elections, the Nepali Congress Party once again heads a majority government. There have been three Nepali Congress Party Prime Ministers since the 1999 elections: K.P. Bhattarai (5/31/99-3/17/00); Girija Prasad Koirala (3/20/00-7/19/01); and Sher Bahadur Deuba (7/23/01-2003). The final distribution of seats in Parliament gave the Nepali Congress 113; the CPN(UML) 69; the RPP 11; the RJM 5; the NSP 5; the Workers and Peasants Party 1; and the United People's Front 1. The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ... Categories: Stub | Nepali political parties | Communist parties ... Man Mohan Adhikari (1920-1999) was the Prime Minister of Nepal from 1994 to 1995, representing the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). ... November 15 is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 46 days remaining. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... Krishna Prasad Bhattarai (born 1924) is a Nepali political figure. ... Girija Prasad Koirala at the UN Summit Girija Prasad Koirala (born 1921) is the Prime Minister of Nepal. ... Sher Bahadur Deuba (born June 13, 1946) was the prime minister of Nepal. ...

King Gyanendra discharged Sher Bahadur Deuba and on June 4, 2003 appointed Surya Bahadur Thapa as Prime Minister. June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ... Surya Bahadur Thapa (born March 21, 1928) has been Prime Minister of Nepal five times, under three different kings, in a political career lasting nearly 50 years. ...

In February 1996, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) began a violent insurgency in more than 50 of the country's 75 districts. About 11,000 police, civilians, and insurgents have been killed in the conflict since 1996. In July 2001 Prime Minister Deuba announced a cease-fire, which the Maoists pledged to observe, as part of a government effort to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict. Although Maoist-instigated intimidation and extortion continue, the killings have largely subsided since the cease-fire was announced. The government and Maoists held talks in August and September 2001. The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or CPN(M) is a Maoist political party founded in 1994 and led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, otherwise known as Prachanda. ...

Political parties agreed in 1991 that the monarchy would remain to enhance political stability and provide an important symbol of national identity for the culturally diverse Nepali people. The King exercises limited powers, including the right to declare a state of emergency in the event of war or armed revolt, with the advice and consent of the Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister. According to the constitution, the King's declaration of a state of emergency must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the lower house of the Parliament.

On June 1, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra is officially reported to have shot and killed his father, King Birendra; his mother, Queen Aishwarya; his brother; his sister, his father's younger brother, Prince Dhirendra; and several aunts, before turning the gun on himself. Although he never regained consciousness before dying, Crown Prince Diprendra was nonetheless the king under the law of Nepalese royal succession. After his death two days later, the late King's surviving brother Gyanendra was proclaimed king. June 1 is the 152nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (153rd in leap years), with 213 days remaining. ...

Nepal's judiciary is legally separate from the executive and legislative branches and has increasingly shown the will to be independent of political influence. The judiciary has the right of judicial review under the constitution. The king appoints the chief justice and all other judges to the supreme, appellate, and district courts upon the recommendation of the Judicial Council. All lower court decisions, including acquittals, are subject to appeal. The Supreme Court is the court of last appeal. The king may grant pardons and may suspend, commute, or remit any sentence by any court.

There are hundreds of small privately owned newspapers in addition to one English and one Nepali-language state-owned newspapers. Views expressed since the 1990 move to democracy are varied and vigorous. As of September 2001, there were 19 private radio stations, a government radio station, and a government-owned television station. The law allows the issuance of private television broadcasting licenses. Although one such license was issued in 1994, the recipient failed to begin broadcasting within the 6-year window. There are nearly 200 cable television operators nationwide, and satellite dishes to receive television broadcasts proliferate. The law strictly forbids the media to criticize or satirize the king or any member of the royal family. That has not prevented various protestors from doing so, though, and the international community has joined the protesters in criticizing the king. [1]

King Gyanendra took control once again on 1 February 2005. February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Nepalese political landscape consists of more than two dozen political parties. Based on the parliamentary seats occupied by various parties since 1991, Nepali Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), National Democratic Party(NDP), Nepal Sadbhawana Party (NGP), People’s Front Nepal (PFN) and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) are significant ones. United People's Front of Nepal (UPFN), which had won third largest number of seats in 1991 parliamentary election, began to splinter in 1993. Its one faction later merged with Nepal Communist Party (Masal) to form PFN. However, the other faction established Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in 1995, which staged an armed rebellion in 1996 and gradually emerged as a major political force - holding a balance of power in Nepal. All these political realignments have made the political scene of Nepal one of the most confusing in the world. Breakup of the parties had become a norm rather than an exception in Nepal. Parties never agreed on most issues of National significance. However, the situation began to change after King Gyanendra took an absolute power in 2005. The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ... Categories: Stub | Nepali political parties | Communist parties ... Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party) is a Nepalese political party. ... Nepal Workers and Peasants Party is a political party in Nepal. ... SJM banner in Patan, 1994 elections The United Peoples Front of Nepal, (Sanyukta Janamorcha Nepal संयुक्त जनमोर्चा नेपाल or SJM in Nepali) was the mass front of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre). ... The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or CPN(M) is a Maoist political party founded in 1994 and led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, otherwise known as Prachanda. ...

In November 22, 2005, seven parliamentary parties (Seven Party Alliance(SPA)) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) agreed on a historic and unprecedented 12-point memorandum of understanding MOU in November 22, 2005 for peace and democracy. Nepalese from various walks of life and the international community regarded the MOU as an appropriate political response to the crisis that was developing in Nepal. In the backdrop of the historical sufferings of the Nepalese people and the enormous human cost of the last ten years of violent conflict, the MOU, which proposes a peaceful transition through an elected constituent assembly, created an acceptable formula for a united movement for democracy. As per the 12-point MOU, the Seven Party Alliance called for a protest movement and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) supported it. This led to a countrywide uprising that started in April, 2006. All political forces including civil society and professional organizations actively galvanized the people. This resulted into massive and spontaneous demonstrations and rallies held across Nepal against the King Gyanendra's autocratic rule. The Seven Party Alliance is a coalition of seven Nepali political parties seeking to end autocratic rule in the country. ... The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or CPN(M) is a Maoist political party founded in 1994 and led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, otherwise known as Prachanda. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary using the Transwiki process. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary using the Transwiki process. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary using the Transwiki process. ... The Seven Party Alliance is a coalition of seven Nepali political parties seeking to end autocratic rule in the country. ... The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or CPN(M) is a Maoist political party founded in 1994 and led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, otherwise known as Prachanda. ...

The people's participation was so broad, momentous and pervasive that the king feared of being overrun. On April 21, 2006, King Gyanendra declared that the "power would be returned to the people". This had little effect on the people, who continued to occupy the streets of Kathmandu and other towns, openly defying the daytime curfew. Finally King Gyanendra announced the reinstatement the House of Representatives, so conceding one of the major demands of the SPA, at midnight of April 24, 2006. With this the coalition of political forces decided to call off the protests.

Twentyone people died and thousands were injured during the 19 days of protests.

On May 19, 2006, the parliament assumed total legislative power and gave executive power to the Government of Nepal (previously known as His Majesty's Government). Names of many institutions (including the army) were stripped of the "royal" adjective and the Raj Parishad (a council of the King's advisors) was abolished, with his duties assigned to the Parliament itself. The activities of the King became subject to parliamentary scrutiny and the King's properties were subjected to taxation. Moreover, Nepal was declared a secular state abrogating the previous status of a Hindu Kingdom. However, most of the changes have, as yet, not been implemented. On July 19, 2006, the prime minister, G. P. Koirala, sent a letter to the United Nations announcing the intention of the Nepalese government to hold elections to a constituent assembly by April 2007.

Factfile

Executive branch

The Executive Power of the Kingdom of Nepal is vested in the King of Nepal and the Council of Ministers. The king of Nepal is known as the Raja; his Queen is known as the Rani. ... Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King of Nepal (Nepali: ज्ञानेन्द्र वीर विक्रम शाहदेव; Gyānendra Vīra Vikrama Śāhadeva) (born July 7, 1947) has been the King of Nepal since June 4, 2001. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... The position of Prime Minister of Nepal was created in 1799. ... Girija Prasad Koirala at the UN Summit Girija Prasad Koirala (born 1921) is the Prime Minister of Nepal. ... The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ... April 24 is the 114th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (115th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Legislative branch

The Parliament (Sansad) has two chambers. The House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha) has 205 members elected for five year term in single-seat constituencies. The National Council (Rashtriya Sabha) has 60 members, 35 members elected by the Pratinidhi Sabha, 15 representatives of Regional Development Areas and 10 members appointed by the king. Parliament has been dissolved by the king in 2002 on the grounds that it was incapable of handling the Maoists rebels. The country’s seven main political parties have staged protests against the king, arguing that the parliament be reinstated and elections held to a Constituent Assembly. The Parliament (Sansad) of Nepal has two chambers: The House of Representatives (Pratinidhi Sabha) has 205 members elected for five year term in single-seat constituencies. ... The bicameral legislature of the United States is housed in a capitol building with two wings. ... A constituency is any cohesive corporate unit or body bound by shared structures, goals or loyalty. ... A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues. ...

Political parties and elections

The following election results include names of political parties. See for additional information about parties the List of political parties in Nepal. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Nepal.

The main parties include: An election is a decision making process where people choose people to hold official offices. ... A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues. ... Nepals constitution of 1990 provides for a multi-party system. ... An election is a decision making process whereby people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. ... Politics of Nepal Categories: Election related stubs | Elections in Nepal ... May 3 is the 123rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (124th in leap years). ... May 17 is the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (138th in leap years). ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... The House of Representatives of Nepal consists of 205 members directly elected by the people. ... The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ... Categories: Stub | Nepali political parties | Communist parties ... Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party) is a Nepalese political party. ... Nepal Sadbhavana Party flag नेपाल सदभावना पार्ती / Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Nepal Goodwill Party) is a pro-monarchy political party in Nepal. ... The Rashtriya Jana Morcha (National Peoples Front) is a political party in Nepal. ... The Sanyukta Janamorcha Nepal (United Peoples Front of Nepal, abbreviated SJM) was the mass front of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre). ... NWPP wall-painting in Bhaktapur Nepal Workers Peasants Party (नेपाल मजदुर किसान पार्ती) is a communist political party in Nepal. ...

• Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (Nepal Kamyunist Parti (Maobadi))
• Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre-Masal)
• Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (Nepal Kamyunist Parti (Ekikrit Marksvadi ra Leninvadi))
• Nepali Congress
• Nepali Congress (Democratic)
• Nepali Sadbhavana Party (Nepalese Goodwill Party)
• Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party)
• Rashtriya Jana Morcha (National People's Front)
• Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party)
• Rashtriya Prajatantra Party-Chand (National-Democratic Party-Chand)
• Sanyunkta Janamorcha Nepal (United People's Front Party of Nepal)

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or CPN(M) is a Maoist political party founded in 1994 and led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, otherwise known as Prachanda. ... Communist Party of Nepal (Unity Centre-Masal), a communist political party in Nepal. ... Categories: Stub | Nepali political parties | Communist parties ... The Nepali Congress is a Nepalese political party. ... Nepali Congress (Democratic) is a Nepalese political party. ... Nepal Sadbhavana Party flag नेपाल सदभावना पार्ती / Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Nepal Goodwill Party) is a pro-monarchy political party in Nepal. ... Nepal Workers and Peasants Party is a political party in Nepal. ... The Rashtriya Jana Morcha (National Peoples Front) is a political party in Nepal. ... Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party) is a Nepalese political party. ... Rashtriya Prajatantra Party-Chand (National Democratic Party-Chand) is a Nepalese political party. ... The Sanyukta Janamorcha Nepal (United Peoples Front of Nepal) is a political party in Nepal. ...

Judicial branch

The judiciary is made of the Sarbochha Adalat—the Supreme Court, appellate courts and various district courts. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the Constitutional Council; the other judges were appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. The Sarbochha Adalat is the Supreme Court of Nepal. ... The supreme court in some countries, provinces, and states, functions as a court of last resort whose rulings cannot be challenged. ...

International organization participation

AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MONUC, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNTAET, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)

Further reading

Jonathan Gregson. 2002. Massacre at the Palace: The Doomed Royal Dynasty of Nepal. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0-7868-6878-3. (Note that Gregson finds the official story of the royal killings plausible while many in Nepal do not.)