Nation marks 20th democracy day with nationwide programs

Kathmandu: The 20th Democracy Day is being observed across the country today with various programs.

On Baishakh 11, 2063 BS, the then King Gyanendra reinstated the parliament that had been dissolved on Jestha 8, 2059 BS, in line with the roadmap of the agitating political parties. Since 2064 BS, Democracy Day has been celebrated nationwide to mark the victory of the people.

Following the dissolution of parliament in Asoj 2059 BS, elections could not be held due to the ongoing armed conflict. In the absence of elections, the king began appointing and removing prime ministers at his discretion.

King Gyanendra appointed and dismissed Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Surya Bahadur Thapa, and Sher Bahadur Deuba as prime ministers. After assuming direct power on Magh 19, 2061 BS, a 12-point agreement was reached between the seven agitating parties and the then armed CPN (Maoist).

The movement gained momentum after previously divided political forces united into two camps following the 12-point understanding in Mangsir 2062 BS. The decisive movement, which began in Falgun 2062 BS under the leadership of former Prime Minister and then Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, intensified in Chaitra.

With the arrival of the New Year, millions of people took to the streets. As masses filled the ring road, King Gyanendra agreed to the parties’ roadmap. Based on a draft prepared by the agitating parties, he announced the restoration of parliament on the night of Baishakh 11 and called for its session. This day is therefore observed as Democracy Day and is regarded as the foundation of the republic.

On Jestha 4, 2063 BS, the reinstated parliament curtailed the powers of the monarchy. It also passed a resolution to bring the Maoists into the peace process and to hold elections for a Constituent Assembly. This development is often referred to as Nepal’s Magna Carta.

Subsequently, the first Constituent Assembly election was held on Chaitra 28, 2064 BS. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly in 2065 BS formally ended the 240-year-old monarchy. Although the first Constituent Assembly did not promulgate a constitution, it made significant contributions.

The second Constituent Assembly, elected in 2070 BS, promulgated the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal on Asoj 3, 2072 BS. Since then, elections at all three levels have been held twice, and the constitution—formed through the strength of the movement—is currently in implementation, with federal, provincial, and local governments in operation.

As a gateway to political transformation, Baishakh 11 continues to be commemorated annually as Democracy Day.