BRIEF: Nepal to Abolish Monarchy

KATMANDU, Nepal- Nepal's government agreed to abolish its monarchy today in preparation for Maoist former rebels to rejoin the Cabinet and for elections to be held.  The monarchy is 239 years-old.

The civil war between Nepal's government and the Maoist rebels ended last year.  The Maoists took part in the government, but then left three months ago after their demands for the immediate declaration of a republic went unmet.

Today's decision was agreed upon by leaders of the seven main political parties.  A change will not take place until after next year's elections.  First a National Assembly must be selected via an election system of proportional representation and direct election, and then that Assembly will have to ratify the declaration of the republic.  The elections are supposed to occur before the end of the Nepali year, which ends April 12.

For more information, please see:

The New York Times (Reuters) - Nepal to End its Monarchy in a Deal with Ex-Rebels - 24 December 2007

Bloomberg - Nepal Agrees to Abolish Monarchy, Rebels Will Rejoin Government - 24 December 2007