Nepal, a nation rich in history and cultural heritage, has undergone immense political transformations in the past two decades. The abolition of the constitutional monarchy in 2008 and the subsequent establishment of a federal democratic republic were hailed as milestones of democratic progression. However, Nepal’s current political climate, marred by instability, corruption, and ineffective governance, has led to a growing sentiment that reinstating the constitutional monarchy could offer a viable solution to the country’s governance challenges. This article explores the historical strengths of Nepal’s monarchy and why its reinstatement could serve as the best path forward.

The Legacy of Nepal’s Monarchy: Stability and Progress

Nepal’s royal dynasty, dating back to the Shah kings, played a significant role in shaping the nation’s identity. King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal in the 18th century, laying the foundation for a sovereign nation. The monarchy, particularly under constitutional rule, has historically acted as a stabilizing force, preserving national unity and guiding the country through economic and social transformations.

King Mahendra’s vision for development was instrumental in modernizing Nepal. He initiated the construction of the East-West Highway, a crucial infrastructure project that connected remote regions and boosted economic integration. His leadership fostered technology transfer from China, India, and other developed nations, promoting domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. Under his policies, Nepal also embraced a public-private investment model, encouraging local industries, exports, and employment while working to minimize trade deficits. His diplomatic strategy sought balanced foreign relations and foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors that required capital and advanced technology, laying the foundation for Nepal’s economic aspirations.

The Unmandated Transition and Its Consequences

The abolition of Nepal’s constitutional monarchy was not conducted with a proper public mandate. A national referendum should have been held on three major issues: constitutional monarchy, federalism, and secularism. However, this crucial democratic step was bypassed, leaving many citizens feeling excluded from the decision-making process.

Nepal has long been a beacon of religious harmony, with over 81% of its population following the Hindu faith. Despite being a predominantly Hindu nation, Nepal has never experienced religious conflict, demonstrating an exemplary model of religious brotherhood and peaceful coexistence. The abrupt shift to secularism was a top-down decision that did not reflect the cultural and religious sentiments of the majority.

Furthermore, Nepal’s economic status, population size, and geographical constraints do not support the current federal structure. The provincial political system has led to increased administrative expenses, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and governance challenges that have strained the nation’s limited resources. The transition to federalism, without proper economic and structural consideration, has added an unnecessary burden to Nepal’s development.

Misleading Comparisons: Understanding Nepal’s Progress Beyond Historical Imagery

Some people are sharing images of barefoot men, women, and children in poor clothing to draw comparisons with today’s lifestyle, often using them to argue in favor of the monarchy’s return. Such images, which likely date back to the 1930s, 40s, or 50s, fail to accurately reflect the progress Nepal has made. They represent a time when the global population was largely living below the poverty line, and markets, supply chains, and technology were not as developed. It is important to note that these changes are not the result of political shifts, but of natural societal progress over the years. The real comparison should focus on Nepal’s advancement in all sectors of development, including technology, markets, and global integration. Comparing today’s Nepal with these historical images is not only unfair but also misguided, often pushed by those who are misusing the system for personal benefit.

Current Political Challenges: A Nation in Crisis

Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic has not yielded the anticipated benefits of prosperity and stability. Instead, the nation faces persistent challenges:

1. Political Instability – Since the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has witnessed frequent government changes, coalition breakdowns, and an inability to sustain long-term leadership. This has hampered policy implementation and economic progress.
2. Corruption and Nepotism – Reports of corruption within political parties and government institutions have eroded public trust. Nepotism and favoritism in governance have hindered merit-based leadership and fair economic opportunities.
3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability – Elected officials have failed to ensure transparency in governance, leading to widespread public disillusionment.
4. National Disunity – The current political system has deepened ethnic and regional divisions, rather than fostering national unity. The monarchy, in contrast, represented the entire nation without being tied to any single political faction.
5. Unviable Federal Structure – The economic and demographic realities of Nepal do not support an expensive federal system. The costs of maintaining provincial governments far outweigh their benefits, draining resources that could otherwise be used for development.
6. Brain Drain and Economic Struggles – Increasing numbers of Nepali youth are migrating abroad for low-paying, harsh labor conditions due to lack of job opportunities at home. The growing frustration among young people and their families stems from political instability, corruption, and the absence of meritocracy. Instead of retaining skilled professionals, Nepal’s political dysfunction has encouraged mass migration, further weakening the nation’s prospects for self-reliance and development.

The Case for Reinstating the Constitutional Monarchy

Reinstating the constitutional monarchy could address many of Nepal’s pressing governance issues while maintaining democratic values. Here’s why:

1. Restoring Stability – The monarchy provided a sense of historical continuity and stability. A reinstated monarch, under a constitutional framework, could act as a stabilizing force above party politics.
2. National Unity – The monarchy has historically served as a symbol of unity. By reinstating a neutral head of state, Nepal could regain a sense of collective national identity and reduce political polarization.
3. Check on Political Excesses – A constitutional monarch can act as a check against unchecked political power, reducing the risks of corruption, authoritarianism, and governance failures.
4. Cultural and Diplomatic Significance – The monarchy has deep cultural roots and international recognition, enhancing Nepal’s diplomatic standing and tourism sector.
5. Democratic Safeguard – Under a constitutional monarchy, the king would remain politically neutral while ensuring that democratic institutions function without undue influence from corrupt politicians.
6. Reevaluation of Federalism – The return of the monarchy could pave the way for reassessing Nepal’s governance structure, potentially eliminating the costly and ineffective provincial system.
7. Commitment to Nepal and Its People – The former royal family has shown unwavering love and commitment to Nepal by staying in the country despite all odds. Their continued presence is a testament to their dedication to the welfare of the nation.
8. Growing Public Support – The monarchy holds a deep place in the hearts of the Nepali people. The rising calls for its restoration reflect an urgency not only to preserve Nepal’s history but also to reestablish a guiding force that can serve as a mentor and guardian of the nation’s unity and prosperity.

Nepal’s Role in Regional and Global Stability

The reinstatement of the constitutional monarchy should also be seen from a global perspective. Late King Birendra’s visionary proposal to declare Nepal a “Zone of Peace” demonstrated Nepal’s commitment to global harmony. Nepal and its army have made significant contributions to world peace through UN peacekeeping missions, further solidifying its role as a nation of stability.

Nepal, as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, symbolizes peace and harmony. Ensuring the country’s own stability through a balanced governance model would allow Nepal to continue being a beacon of peace, not only in South Asia but for the world. The beautiful Himalayan kingdom deserves to prosper, and a stable Nepal contributes to regional and global peace and security.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Balanced Future

The growing dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political system has reignited discussions on reinstating the constitutional monarchy. While the monarchy itself was not without flaws, its historical role as a unifying force, a symbol of stability, and a safeguard against political excesses suggests that its return—within a constitutional framework—could be the best way forward. Nepal needs a governance structure that balances democratic representation with stability and accountability. By reinstating the monarchy as a constitutional institution, Nepal could restore national unity, improve governance, and embark on a new era of development and prosperity, ultimately contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world. However, it is crucial to emphasize that there is no alternative to a democratic system. A 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Nepal should aim to strengthen democracy for the benefit of the nation and its people, ensuring the country avoids the risks of becoming a failed state.