Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine Years of Monarchial Rule Ends in Nepal

Two months ago, Bhutan was ruled by an absolute monarchy. As part of his agenda for Gross National Happiness, King Jigme willingly relinquished his absolute power when democratic elections were held on March 24th. The new form of parliamentary government has the power to change the constitution and even remove the king from his current position, reigning as a constitutional monarch.

However, it was a different scenario for King Gyanendra of Nepal, Bhutan’s neighbor. He wished to remain king, but the government decided to abolish the monarchy altogether. On Wednesday, the Constituent Assembly voted on a proposal to amend the interim constitution which declared the country of Nepal a federal democratic republic.

On Friday, the king will receive official notification to vacate Narayanhity royal palace within fifteen days. The Last Shah King’s rule has ended.

King Juan Carlos Faced with Criticism and Protests

In recent weeks, the international media has documented the criticisms, protests and scurrilous attacks against King Juan Carlos of Spain and his family. Despite these assailments, the king has not been denounced and stripped of power which befell King Gyanendra of Nepal. Juan Carlos is capable of assuaging the fears of his people and if the country is not ready to become a republic, it will remain a constitutional monarchy until the people of Spain are ready for a drastic change.