Nepal Becomes a Federal Republic

December 23rd, 2007

December 23rd, 2007

Nepal Becomes a Federal Republic
How Long Ago?

17 years, 2 months, 20 days ago

Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Pushpa Kamal Dahal
  • Girija Prasad Koirala
Links & References
Tags

Nepal Becomes a Federal Republic

In December 2007, an agreement was reached to abolish the monarchy in Nepal, transforming the nation into a federal republic. The Prime Minister was designated the head of state, marking a significant political shift away from royal rule. This decision was the culmination of extensive negotiations involving various political factions and was part of a larger peace process aimed at ending a decade-long civil conflict in the country. The consensus for this change was expressed through a vote in the constituent assembly, reflecting a desire for democratic governance and representation.

End of monarchy in Nepal's governance structure.

Civil conflict spurred the push for democracy.

Prime Minister to hold head of state position.

New constitution drafted to reflect federalism.

What Happened?

The move towards abolishing the monarchy in Nepal came as part of a peace process that followed a brutal civil war known as the Maoist Insurgency, which lasted from 1996 to 2006. The agreement reached on December 23, 2007, was a landmark decision for the country as it sought to transition from centuries of monarchical rule to a federal democratic republic. The conflict had deeply fractured Nepali society, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The political change was favored by a populace that was increasingly disillusioned with monarchy and yearning for greater democracy and inclusion in governance.

The constituent assembly, composed of representatives from various political parties, was pivotal in this transition. Vote by vote, the assembly debated and formed a consensus on the structure of the new governance, ultimately deciding that the Prime Minister would serve as the head of state. This meant that the Prime Minister, previously seen primarily as the head of government, would now assume greater symbolic powers traditionally held by the monarchy. This decision reflected the strength of democratic ideals among the new political leaders emerging from the conflict and the desire to establish a governance framework that better represented the diverse ethnic groups within Nepal.

The implications of this decision were profound, as it set the stage for the drafting of a new constitution, which would further delineate powers and responsibilities within the new federal structure. This included providing protections for ethnic minority rights and decentralizing authority, aiming to address historical grievances over representation and governance. The transition symbolized a profound shift towards equity and inclusiveness, opening pathways for representation previously denied under the monarchy.

Why Does it Matter?

This event is significant as it facilitated Nepal's transformation into a federal democratic republic, marking the end of centuries of royal governance. The establishment of a system where the Prime Minister holds the position of head of state symbolizes a considerable shift towards inclusive governance. This transition laid the groundwork for subsequent political reforms and increased the prospects for stability and representation in a nation marked by ethnic diversity and socio-political challenges.

Discover More Historic Events from December 23rd

Crime & Law

Bombing at Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport

December 23rd, 2015 9 years ago

A bomb exploded at Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport, resulting in the death of one airport cleaner. The attack shook the city and raised security concerns. Four days later, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks claimed responsibility for the bombing, linking it to the ongoing tension and conflict in the region. The airport, crucial to international travel, became a focal point for discussions on safety and terrorism in Turkey.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Coup d'état in Guinea Following Conté's Death

December 23rd, 2008 16 years ago

A coup d'état occurred in Guinea shortly after the death of President Lansana Conté, who passed away in Conakry. The military swiftly took control, with Captain Moussa Dadis Camara announcing the establishment of a new ruling junta. This rapid change in leadership created turmoil in the nation as the government’s structure was dismantled, and the future political landscape became uncertain.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 217 Crash

December 23rd, 2005 19 years ago

An Antonov An-140 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed while en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Aktau, Kazakhstan. The aircraft went down over the Caspian Sea, resulting in the loss of 23 lives. Crewed by a team of professionals, the flight was reportedly on a routine journey when it encountered severe weather conditions that likely contributed to the accident.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Explosion at PetroChina Natural Gas Field

December 23rd, 2003 21 years ago

A massive explosion occurred at the PetroChina Chuandongbei natural gas field located in Kai County, Chongqing. The blast resulted in the death of at least 234 people and caused significant destruction in the surrounding area. Emergency responders faced great difficulties due to the scale of the disaster, forcing evacuations and impacting local communities.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

First Combat Engagement of Drone vs. Fighter Jet

December 23rd, 2002 22 years ago

An Iraqi MiG-25 shot down a U.S. MQ-1 Predator drone over Iraq, marking a significant event in aerial warfare. This engagement highlighted the evolving role of unmanned aerial vehicles in combat. The incident showcased the capabilities of the MiG-25, a supersonic interceptor developed during the Cold War, demonstrating that conventional aircraft still posed a threat to emerging drone technology. The drone was conducting reconnaissance when it was intercepted and destroyed.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Slovenia Votes for Independence from Yugoslavia

December 23rd, 1990 34 years ago

In a historic referendum, 88.5% of Slovenia's electorate voted in favor of independence from Yugoslavia. Conducted on December 23, 1990, the referendum saw a significant turnout reflecting the strong desire among Slovenians for self-determination. Citizens expressed their will for independence in a political climate marked by rising nationalism and discontent with the Yugoslav federation. The overwhelming support highlighted Slovenia's aspirations for sovereignty and marked a key step in the dissolution of Yugoslavia.

Continue Reading