Lack of Progress

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Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Nepal’s capital this week to demand the restoration of the monarchy that was abolished 15 years ago, the Associated Press reported.

Supporters of former King Gyanendra waved national flags and chanted slogans demanding the abolition of the republic. Clashes broke out after riot police prevented protesters from marching in the center of Kathmandu, leaving minor injuries on both sides.

Demonstrators from the “Citizen Campaign” complained that the current government has failed to live up to commitments to develop one of the world’s poorest countries, accusing it of corruption and failed governance, Reuters noted.

Nepal became a republic in 2008, two years after weeks-long protests forced King Gyanendra to abandon his authoritarian rule and introduce democracy.

In 2008, the newly-elected parliament voted to completely abolish the 239-year-old monarchy under an agreement that also ended a Maoist insurgency that had killed 17,000 people between 1996 and 2006.

But the Himalayan nation continues to be plagued by political instability that has seen a number of different governments, ongoing economic malaise and forced many to emigrate from the country.

Since stepping down, Guyanedra has been living as a private citizen with no power or state protection. While he still enjoys some support, observers told the AP there was little chance of him returning to power.