Final hours for the only Hindu monarchy system in the world
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – For the first time in history, Nepal’s parliament has approved norms to abolish the monarchy. Opposition from Hindu extremists served no purpose, as the parliament voted in favour by an overwhelming majority of 281 of the 329 members of the lower house.
According to the new provision, a two third majority of parliamentarians can decide on removing the king in case he tries to scuttle the Constitutional Assembly polls.
The prime minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala termed the amendment as ' a historic move contributing to the strengthening of 'loktantra' (democracy) and the way of holding Constituent Assembly (CA) elections. However, the chairman of the World Hindu Federation, Bharat Keshari Singh said, “ Such a decision surpasses the people's right to decide the king’s position through Constituent Assembly election and ultimately it might prove dangerous”.
Through this amendment other important provisions were also made. One included in the statue is that the parliamentary public “Hearing Committee” would conduct hearings on the appointment of Supreme Court judges, ambassadors and heads and members of constitutional bodies. This provision is aimed at making the authorities accountable to the parliament and public. The amendment also adopts a provision of an opposition party and an opposition leader in the parliament.
Amending the Article 55, the parliament also adopted the power to remove the Prime Minister by two third majority of the House. This however may happen a maximum of twice a year.
On May 18 2006, Parliament declared Nepal a secular nation. Sine then the king has lost all executive powers, including command of the state army. Nepal’s monarchy, which reigned for over 238 years, is the root of Hinduism in the country and the only Hindu monarchy system in the world. For Hindu’s the Nepalese king is the reincarnation of the divinity Vishnu.
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