The growing public support for the reinstatement of the monarchy and Hindu state reflects the failure of the current political system to meet people’s expectations in the aftermath of big political changes. It signals that the dramatic political changes between 2006 and 2015 have failed to deliver on the promises of stability, inclusion and economic opportunity. In less than a decade, Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic, from a Hindu kingdom to a secular state, and from an exclusionary to an inclusive governance framework. These changes raised hopes that democratic transformation would lead to economic progress and political stability. But nearly a decade later, those expectations have largely remained unfulfilled. The resulting disillusionment has opened the door for royalist forces to re-enter the political stage to advance their long-standing agendas. 

Departure from the past

While royalist protests are not new, recent developments mark a significant departure from the past. On March 9, former King Gyanendra returned to Kathmandu after a week-long vacation in Pokhara. An estimated 14,000 people gathered to welcome him at the airport—likely the largest pro-monarchy rally since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. This show of support alarmed mainstream political parties, especially in light of the rising unrest seen in other South Asian countries mainly like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.  For the first time, major political parties see treating the royalist movement as a serious threat. On March 28, a large pro-monarchy demonstration in Kathmandu turned violent, resulting in two deaths and extensive property damage. The government responded with a crackdown, arresting several leaders of the movement. Although this initially weakened the protest, royalists have since regrouped and announced an indefinite protest in Kathmandu from May 29.

Why is the call for monarchy growing?

There are multiple reasons behind the growing surge of pro-Monarchy protests.

First, although all governments formed after the 2015 constitution came through free and fair elections, meeting the basic criterion for democratic legitimacy, they have failed to deliver governance, economic development and public services. Corruption, inefficiency and lack of accountability have disillusioned voters. Though the system has electoral legitimacy, it lacks performance legitimacy which is equally important for the sustainability of any political system.

There is growing disappointment with the key leaders of major political parties who were once admired for their role in bringing democracy. Many now see them as entrenched in power, having dominated politics for over three decades without delivering meaningful changes. After the promulgation of the constitution in 2015, the public hoped that political parties would reform, become more democratic internally, and respond better to people’s needs. 

However, those hopes were dashed. 

The 2022 election signaled a public desire for alternatives to traditional political forces. New parties and some independent candidates emerged with unexpected success. For instance, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) became the fourth largest party in parliament with a platform focused on governance reform. In Kathmandu and Dharan, independent candidates won the mayoral race, defeating the common candidates of major political parties. Similarly, developments were seen in the Tarai-Madhesh region where new forces gained ground. However, these new parties could not form a government due to insufficient parliamentary numbers.  Feeling threatened, the traditional parties began consolidating power to resist these emerging forces. In July 2024, two largest parties in parliament, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, formed a coalition government, promising political stability and development. However, the alliance has already become unpopular due to its failure to deliver on those promises.

Second, there was a hope that major political changes would open up economic opportunities for the people. However, those expectations have largely gone unmet, and instead, the country’s economy has further stagnated. While moderate economic growth might have helped support the transition to a republic, the economy has failed to gain momentum. Many believe that the federal structure further strained the nation’s resources, adding pressure to an already fragile economy. Though economy is not a determinant factor in any democracy, it does play a vital role to cement democratic values. 

One of the most pressing issues is the failure to create sufficient job opportunities within the country. As a result, large numbers of Nepalis are going abroad to seek jobs and quality education. Domestic universities, weakened by political interference, have seen a sharp decline in quality. Key sectors of the economy—agriculture, manufacturing and tourism—are underperforming. 

Third, after the adoption of the new constitution in 2015, people hoped that the chronic political instability that has plagued the country since 1990 would finally come to an end. It was widely believed that with political freedom secured, future governments would focus on social and economic development. But instead of evolving in line with the constitution, political parties continued to engage in power struggles, internal factionalism and the politicization of state institutions.  The focus is still on changing governments rather than improving governance. They are putting blame on the current electoral system stating that it would not allow a single-party majority. In a diverse country like Nepal,  we cannot and should not remove the Proportional Representation (PR) system.  But people are not convinced, especially since parties have failed to maintain stable governments even when holding majorities. This persistent instability has bred anger, disillusionment and frustration among the people. As a result, more are now willing to consider undemocratic alternatives, reflected in the growing support for pro-monarchy forces. 

Way forward for parties

This growing support for royalist forces reflects the deepening unpopularity of the major political parties. Former King Gyanendra, who had remained largely silent for years, has recently become more vocal about his intent to return to power, adding to the pressure on these parties.  Over the past few months, Nepal has witnessed an increasingly stark divide between pro-monarchy and pro-republic sentiments, something not seen since the abolition of monarchy in 2008. In response, the current government led by the first and second largest parties in parliament have taken a suppressive approach to deal with pro-Monarchy protests. Rather than resorting to repression, mainstream political parties must focus on delivering real results and addressing public grievances. This is the only suitable way to restore public trust and safeguard the existing political system. Miserable political and economic performances of the successive governments after 2015 or even earlier is the time factor behind the current scenario. Instead of delving into conspiracy theories,  deliver on the promises of stability, inclusion and economic opportunity.