The 2006 Democracy Movement (Nepali: लोकतन्त्र आन्दोलन 2062-63Loktantrik Āndolan /Loktantra Ka Lagi Gariyako Āndolan) is a name given to the political agitations against the direct and undemocratic rule of King Gyanendra of Nepal. The movement is also sometimes referred to as Jana Andolan-II ("People's Movement-II"), implying it being a continuation of the 1990 Jana Andolan.[1]
Reinstitution of Parliament
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In a nationally televised address, King Gyanendra reinstated the old Nepal House of Representatives on April 24, 2006.[2][3] The King called upon the Seven Party Alliance to bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path to national unity and prosperity, while ensuring permanent peace and safeguarding multiparty democracy.
The reinstitution of Parliament was accepted by the SPA. It declared that Girija Prasad Koirala would lead the new government. The SPA stated that the new parliament will hold elections for a body that would write a new constitution.[4]
The move was rejected by the maoists. Baburam Bhattarai stated that merely restoring the parliament was not going to resolve the problems and that the rebels planned to continue fighting against government forces.[5] They still demand the formation of a Constituent Assembly and abolition of the monarchy.
On April 27, however, the Maoist insurgents responded to demands by Girija Prasad Koirala and announced a unilateral three-month truce in the Nepal Civil War.[6][7] In addition to this, on May 1, Bhattarai announced that if "the elections [to a Constituent Assembly] are free and fair, one has to respect the result of the elections. Then of course we will abide by the verdict of the people." [8] This was seen as a large step forward as it shows the first signs of Maoist acceptance of the democratic process.
On May 2, Koirala announced the new government cabinet including himself and three other ministers from the Nepali Congress: K.P. Sharma Oli from CPN (UML), Gopal Man Shrestha from Nepali Congress (Democratic) and Prabhu Narayan Chaudhari from the United Left Front.[9] This was followed on May 12 by the arrest of four ministers from the ousted royalist government and an investigation into alleged human rights violations by the army during the General Strike.[10]
It has to address the conflict and the differences existing between the regions, castes and communities.
As the country moves towards an election to a constituent assembly, the ingenuity and wisdom of Nepalese political players will be put to the test.
The choices they make will help to determine whether the 'April Revolution' reaches its final destination, or disappears into a quicksand of palace intrigue and political cowardice.
It might be tempting to conclude that King Gyanendra is already history but the palace has definitely bought time for itself, a commodity that is more useful then legal provisions.
 Kathmandu's protestors took to the streets - peacefully |
Becoming a democratic republic, therefore, is a must to ensure Nepal's long-term stability and development.
Anarchy threatens Nepal's sovereignty and unity.
Extreme political elements have been working hard trying to break the fabric of Nepalese society. The maturity, spirit and enthusiasm displayed by common Nepalese during the revolution are the only hope that can take Nepal forward.
The people of Nepal stood together at the midst of their political differences; they need to stand together in charting Nepal's socio-economic and cultural philosophies to guide the country towards peace and prosperity in the next five years.
The conviction of people helps guides nations towards a defined ideology. The potential of the Nepalese people, displayed during the revolution, stands as testimony that any form of political extremism will not be tolerated in the days ahead.
May 18 Act
The most dramatic move of the post-Loktantra Andolan government came on May 18, 2006 when the Parliament unanimously voted to strip the King of many of his powers. The bill included:[citation needed]
- Putting 90,000 troops in the hands of the parliament
- Imposing a tax on the royal family and its assets
- Ending the Raj Parishad, a royal advisory council
- Eliminating royal references from army and government titles
- Declaring Nepal a secular country, not a Hindu Kingdom
- Scrapping the national anthem until a new one is composed
- Eliminating the king's position as the Supreme Commander of the Army
May 18 has already been named Loktantrik Day (Democracy Day) by some.[11]
Although the constitution was accepted, it was always intended to be temporary[citation needed] and on May 29, 2008, a new constitution was voted on by the Nepalese Parliament, which declared that the monarchy would be deposed and a new parliamentary republic would become the Nepalese political framework.[12]
Politics 'redefined'
The claim that no revolution can be peaceful has been disproved by the common men and women of Nepal.
Peace has been adopted both as an "agenda" and a "means" in Nepalese context. The exemplary vision displayed by the laymen of Nepal has created a new theoretical perspective. Politics has been redefined in Nepal.
A nation writes its own autobiography through the action and inaction of its citizens.
 Nepal's future lies in its people's democratic efforts |
The Nepalese have begun writing a new autobiography for Nepal, an autobiography with a vision, philosophy and an ideology; a distinct autobiography with socio-economic and cultural harmony and prosperity; an autobiography displaying the life and history of the common men and women of Nepal.
Five years down the line, Nepal is in a verge of creating a philosophy, a model, a vision through its own people that is likely to be replicated by many nations.
At a time when India and China, two large economies and neighbours of Nepal, are bubbling with economic growth, Nepal is all set to lead the world with its new political philosophy.
It is a philosophy of peace - a much-needed agenda at a time when the world's security has been threatened due to conflict.
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