New Nepalese Assembly Set to Abolish Monarchy
By VOA News
28 May 2008
Nepal's newly installed special assembly is expected to formally abolish the country's 239-year-old monarchy when it meets for the first time Wednesday.
Ending the monarchy is a key objective of Nepal's former Maoist rebels, who emerged from April's elections as the largest force in the Constituent Assembly.
Maoist leader Prachanda says the move to officially rid Nepal of its monarchy is an "epoch-making" event.
Nepalese King Gyanendra has been told to vacate the palace, and was seen leaving with his wife, Komal, after the new assembly was sworn in Tuesday. It is unclear whether the royal couple will comply with Maoist demands to leave for good.
Political leaders have threatened to use force to remove the king, if necessary.
Security in the capital of Katmandu has been tightened leading up to the assembly's first meeting after pro-royalist groups were blamed for a series of bomb blasts in recent days.
The Maoists have brought thousands of their youth members, who are accused of intimidating and beating up rivals, to celebrate the end of the king's reign.
Their long campaign to end the monarchy gained support after King Gyanendra seized absolute power in 2005.
In addition to establishing Nepal as a republic, the Constituent Assembly is also charged with drafting a new constitution.
Nepal's three main political parties have already agreed to replace the king with a president. The prime minister is expected to keep his executive powers.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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