3.2. The Evolution of Democratic Process in Nepal

♤ In 1951, the Nepali Monarch, King Tribhuwan, ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary Prime Ministers (the Ranas) and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government.

♤ In December 1960, the then King Mahendra suspended the constitution, dissolved the elected parliament and dismissed the cabinet. He instituted a Panchayat system- hierarchical system of village, district and national councils.

♤ In 1990 pro-democracy agitation co-ordinated by Nepali Congress Party(NCP) and leftist groups erupted. Street protests were suppressed by security forces resulting in deaths and mass arrests. King Birendra eventually bows to pressure and agrees to new democratic constitution.

♤ 1991 - NCP won first democratic elections. Girija Prasad Koirala becomes prime minister.

♤ The Maoist revolt began in 1995, it dragged on for more than a decade and resulted in the death of thousands. Among other things, the rebels wanted the monarchy to be abolished.

♤ The Royal Family Massacre: On 1 June 2001 - Crown Prince Dipendra killed King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and several members of the royal family, before shooting himself. The king's brother, Gyanendra was crowned king.♤ 2005 November - Maoist rebels and Seven Party Alliance (SPA) of parliamentary parties agreed on a programme intended to restore democracy.♤ Donors Conference: At an international Donor’s conference in July 2015 in Nepal, India pledged 1 billion US$ in support of the reconstruction efforts. China was the Second ♤ This period also saw downturn in India Nepal relations based on blockade on the movement of goods from India to Nepal due to violence in the bordering areas dominated by the Madhesis.3.2.2. Elections ♤ Elections for Upper house, National Assembly (Rashtiriya Sabha,) were held in February 2018, it has 59 members.