How power in exercise in democracy in Nepal
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Democracy was established in Nepal through the anti-monarchy/ anti-Panchayat (partyless) political system movement in 1989–90. After days of riots and deaths, then King Birendra went on the air to address the public, accepting multi-party democracy and an end to the partyless system/ absolute monarchy.
Like many Third World countries, Nepal's political system transformed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy after a mass upsurge had toppled the partyless panchayat regime in the spring of 1990. Nepal is now in the process of consolidating democracy after successfully drafting a new constitution, and conducting the general elections for parliament and local political bodies. But as in many fledgling democracies, Nepal's democratically elected government has been confronted by daunting challenges. The parliamentary opposition led by the various Communist factions, an inefficient and politicized bureaucracy, and inner-party and inter-party conflicts are some of the serious challenges. As a consequence of these challenges, the government has not been able to provide economic relief measures, and create conditions for just and equitable development. This paper examines the prospects of and challenges for democracy and development in Nepal, and offers some suggestions for institutionalizing democracy and developing the economy.