Nepal becomes new Republic country

Kathmandu, May 29: Amidst the cheers and clapping only four out of 564 votes of the Constituent Assembly members voted for the monarchy while 560 members voted for the abolition of monarchy and creation of federal democratic republic system in Nepal.

There were 575 members in the 601 assembly as parties have not yet nominated 26 members. A total of 565 were present at today's meeting. A large number of people chanting slogans in favour of democracy and abolition of monarchy outside the International convention centre venue till late night today. The anger against monarchy was so strong that the people had painted their faces with democracy slogans.

"Gyane leave the country" read a painting in the face. People were dancing and chanting and there was uproar and jubiliation when the Parliament almost unanimously passed the proposal presented by home minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula on behalf of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

Only the members of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, a royalist party led by Kamal Thapa, who was Home Minister during Gyanendra's rule, voted against the proposal.

The party could not win a single seat in the election, however, has representation under the proportional representation system.

"In the context of implementing a republic in the country, the CA meeting directs the now then King residing at the Narayanhiti palace and the private secretariat structure concerning him to leave within fifteen-days," said KB Gurung the oldest member of the CA reading out the government's decision.

He also directed the Nepal government to immediately control and manage the Narayanhiti palace which has now become a national property.

Home Minister Krishana Prasad Sitaula, on behalf of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, tabled the proposal for the implementation of a federal democratic republic at the CA meeting before the final votes were cast.

The CA, elected through the landmark election held last month, formally passed the proposal, bidding farewell to the only Hindu King of the world.

UNI