Nepal is once again witnessing a resurgence in pro-monarchy sentiment, with fresh protests and public discourse putting the 17-year-old republic under the spotlight. What began as a speech by former King Gyanendra Shah on the eve of Democracy Day (February 19), quickly escalated into street protests, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among citizens with the current political establishment.

In his address, Gyanendra Shah called on people to "unite to save the country," a statement that was widely interpreted as an indirect endorsement of restoring the monarchy. The monarchist groups took it as a cue to mobilize support and organize rallies, attempting to capitalize on growing disillusionment with Nepal’s leadership.

Monarchists Gain Momentum Amid Political Failures

Monarchists in Nepal are leveraging public frustration over repeated leadership changes, rampant corruption, and poor governance. Many believe that Nepal fared better under the monarchy, citing more stable institutions and improved law and order. With unemployment rising and youth emigrating in large numbers for better prospects, these concerns have found resonance with many sections of the population.

The March 28 pro-monarchy protest turned violent, leaving at least two people dead and many injured, revealing how deeply the frustration runs. Despite being relatively modest in scale, the gatherings symbolized a growing yearning for change—though not all attendees were loyal monarchists. Some were simply disenchanted with Nepal’s political class, looking for any alternative.

Democratic Gains vs. The Lure of Monarchical Stability

Though Nepal formally abolished the 240-year-old Shah monarchy in 2008 through an elected Constituent Assembly, the debate over the monarchy’s return hasn’t gone away. The abolition was part of a broader transformation following the Maoist insurgency and people’s movement, which aimed to end autocratic rule and bring inclusivity, secularism, and fundamental rights to the forefront.

However, frequent government collapses, inefficient public services, and unfulfilled promises have left citizens increasingly disillusioned with the system. Monarchists argue that these failures are signs of systemic collapse, and that returning to monarchy could restore order and stability.

Still, many experts and political analysts caution against romanticizing the past. The monarchy, they argue, was inherently undemocratic, with power concentrated in a single family rather than being distributed based on public will.

Proposal for a Directly Elected Presidential System

To address the governance crisis, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), has revived his long-standing proposal for a directly elected presidential system. Dahal, whose Maoist party led a decade-long insurgency against the monarchy beginning in 1996, argues that Nepal needs a stable executive elected directly by the people.

His vision, shared by advocate Om Parkash Aryal, includes a model similar to the United States, where citizens know exactly who they’re voting for as the leader. Aryal contends that such a system could bring stability, accountability, and clear mandates, reducing the confusion of coalition governments.

This proposal has sparked fresh constitutional discussions, though critics argue that introducing another fundamental change to the constitution would be impractical and time-consuming.

The Case for Reforming the Current System, Not Replacing It

Changing Nepal’s system of governance would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making any constitutional amendment a difficult task. Moreover, many believe that the issue lies not with the system, but with the people running it.

Sanjeev Satgainya, a prominent columnist and former editor of The Kathmandu Post, underscores this point. He believes that public frustration is real, but the solution lies in better implementation and accountability, not in replacing the system altogether.

Instead of returning to a monarchical setup or embarking on a radical constitutional overhaul, many suggest strengthening Nepal’s federal structure, empowering provincial governments, and ensuring laws are implemented effectively.

Historical Context: From Rana Rule to the Republic

Nepal’s governance journey has been anything but linear. The fall of the autocratic Rana regime in 1951 marked Nepal’s first flirtation with democracy. However, in 1960, King Mahendra abolished multi-party democracy, introducing the Panchayat system, which centralized power in the monarchy.

This system lasted until 1990, when a popular movement led to the restoration of multi-party democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Still, political instability and corruption plagued the governments.

Tragedy struck in 2001 when King Birendra and his family were massacred, leading to Gyanendra Shah’s ascension. Gyanendra’s autocratic moves in 2005 led to massive protests, eventually resulting in the monarchy’s abolition and the 2015 Constitution, which established Nepal as a secular, federal, democratic republic.

Democratic Progress Since 2015

Despite ongoing challenges, Nepal has made considerable progress in various areas since the adoption of its new Constitution in 2015:

• Social inclusion has improved, with more representation for marginalized communities.

• Freedom of speech and secularism are now constitutionally protected.

• There is greater decentralization of power, although implementation remains a challenge.

While the pace of development may not meet expectations, the republic has laid down important foundations for long-term democratic stability.

Why Reinstating the Monarchy is a Step Backward

A monarchy, by its very nature, lacks democratic accountability. Its power stems from lineage, not the people's mandate. Returning to such a system would reverse key democratic gains, such as:

• Secularism

• Freedom of speech

• Fundamental rights

• Inclusivity of diverse communities

Even if the republican system is flawed, the answer lies in course correction, not in erasing progress.

The Way Forward: Reform, Not Regression

What Nepal needs now is systemic reform within the republican framework. This includes:

• Curbing corruption through strict enforcement

• Strengthening institutions

• Empowering provincial governments

• Holding political leaders accountable

The time has come for Nepali political parties to abandon undemocratic practices and reconnect with the public. The discontent on the streets is real, and if left unaddressed, it could pave the way for regressive forces to gain momentum.

In conclusion, the republic may be imperfect, but it is a system that can evolve and improve. The monarchy, in contrast, represents a bygone era that, while remembered fondly by some, does not offer a democratic future for a modern Nepal.

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