"Nepal's democracy is like a house built on sand—unstable, precarious, and continuously reshaped by the winds of political opportunism."
Lok Raj Baral, a respected Nepalese political scientist, once said of this picturesque country nestled within the Himalayas. Indeed, Nepal has a long and turbulent history of political upheaval.
Kathmandu's streets bear witness to two decades of political turbulence. Nepal is once more ablaze with conflict, as evidenced by recent violence resulting in 20 protester deaths, the resignation of five ministers, and nationwide unrest. This country had launched an armed rebellion against the monarchy in 1996, enduring a decade marked by violence and instability, culminating in the 2006 peace accord. Emerging from years of bloodshed and hardship in pursuit of equality, Nepali citizens began to glimpse progress.
In 2015, Nepal proclaimed itself a federal democratic republic with a new constitution. But even today, its ties to the past remain unbroken. The vision of a complete revolution remains unrealized, while democracy grapples with numerous challenges and monarchy seeks opportunities for resurgence.
The Unfinished Red Revolution
The Maoist rebellion, which began in 1996, marked a pivotal moment in Nepal's history. Claiming to strive for a fair and equitable society, the movement sought to restructure Nepal's socio-economic framework. Tens of thousands lost their lives during this uprising, which reached into every village and eventually welcomed Maoists into mainstream politics through a peace agreement. They promised democracy and a new constitution, garnering widespread rural support. However, a decade-long conflict claimed over 16,000 lives, ending with the 2006 peace agreement. Nepal ceased being a Hindu nation, transforming instead into a republic. The monarchy, enduring for 240 years, concluded with the Maoists' rise in 2008.
Source: aajtak
But has the 'completed' 2006 revolution genuinely improved citizens' conditions? Two decades onward, this question persists.
After Nepal's revolution, Maoist leaders like Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" ascended to power, yet the country's parliamentary democracy stagnated. Corruption and power struggles among leaders ensued, leaving Nepali citizens with unfulfilled promises of prosperity, education, and health. While some say the Maoist revolution only changed who held power and not the system itself.
Journalist Aditya Adhikari, author of
'The Bullet and the Ballot Box, The Story of Nepal's Maoist Revolution'
, writes extensively on this topic.
"The Maoist leaders from the hills and jungles of Nepal, upon arriving in Kathmandu, initially resided in places befitting the people they claimed to represent. However, they soon indulged in luxuries, a moral incongruity for proletarian leaders. Tales of Prachanda's new home, cars, watches, and even his bedroom featured prominently in media stories."
According to Aditya Adhikari, Baburam Bhattarai was once esteemed for his principles, but reports emerged of his wife Hisila Yami engaging in widespread corruption during his premiership. Across the country, local Maoist leaders leveraged their influence to secure contracts, shifting their focus away from revolutionary goals.
14 Prime Ministers in 17 Years
Nepal's political fragility is underscored by its frequent leadership changes; from 2006 to 2025, the nation saw 14 Prime Ministers. Amidst this instability, figures like Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Madhav Kumar Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai, Sushil Koirala, K.P. Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba steered the country.
After abolishing the monarchy in 2008, Nepal embarked on the path of democracy, but successive governments have faced challenges. Seventeen years witnessed 14 administrations, with no Prime Minister serving a full term.
The relentless pursuit of power among political parties, alongside corruption and ideological drift, has rendered democracy a "confused" endeavor.
During this democratic period, citizens' expectations repeatedly went unmet. Progress in development, education, and infrastructure has been negligible, with major corruption scandals deepening public distrust in ruling parties. Nepali Student Congress leader Diwakar Pandey remarked, "The promises of development and reform made in the name of democracy remain unfulfilled. People are disillusioned, sparking today's movements." Citizens perceive democracy as merely a tool for politicians to play power games, with little benefit to the common people.
Nepal Among the World's Poorest Countries
Nepal ranks among the world's poorest countries. According to the World Bank and other sources, it is the second poorest country in South Asia after Afghanistan. In 2024, Nepal's per capita income was approximately 1,381 USD, while in 2025, India's was almost double at 2,878 USD.
Monarchy's Whisper and the Hangover of the Past
Amidst democratic disillusionment, the call for monarchy's return has regained momentum in Nepal. In 2025, thousands of protestors in Kathmandu and other cities chanted "Bring back the King, save the country," spotlighting former King Gyanendra Shah—ousted from power in 2008—once more. Advocates of the monarchy recall a time of greater stability and less corruption compared to the present, with rural and traditional communities favoring the notion of monarchy's security and steadiness. The national democratic party (RPP) champions the movement for a constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state.
Though monarchy's revival seems impractical, public discontent keeps the debate alive. Former King Gyanendra's controversial history includes his 2001 coronation following a royal massacre and his 2005 attempt to suspend democracy. Yet, the democratic government's failures inspire newfound hope in him among some citizens, who see him as a "savior." His recent religious visits and supporter rallies have further fueled this movement.
Nepali journalist and author Kanak Mani Dixit asserts,
'The ghost of monarchy still haunts Nepal, not because it was ideal, but because democracy has failed.'
The reasons for Nepal's shackling to its past lie in its leaders' lack of accord and political opportunism. The red revolution's promise of a visionary society remains unattained. Democracy has failed to deliver stability and development, and monarchy lacks practicality as a solution. Nepal finds itself caught between three poles: an unrealized revolution unable to transform the system, a democracy lacking direction and stability, and a monarchy that, although ended, repeatedly returns as an option.
