Nepal's King bows to protests and restores democracy

Nepal’s embattled King Gyanendra today paved the way for a return to democratic government, handing back power to the people in a desperate attempt to end two weeks of strikes and civil unrest.

The King bowed to tremendous pressure, both from hundreds of thousands of demonstrators at home and the international community, to relinquish the autocratic control he assumed in February last year.

This evening, in a televised address to the kingdom, he called on the seven opposition parties who have coordinated 16 days of strikes and demonstrations to put forward candidates for an election to become Prime Minister.

He said: "Executive power of the kingdom of Nepal, which was in our safekeeping, shall from this day be returned to the people. We ask the seven-party alliance to recommend the name for the post of prime minister at the earliest.

"To those who have gone off track we make appeals to come back to mainstream politics and help the country prosper."

The King suggested that he would give up the dictatorial powers he assumed in February 2005, and revert to the terms of the constitutional monarchy set up by his brother in 1991.

He said: "Until a new prime minister is appointed, the present government will run the executive of the country". He promised that power "shall be returned to the people from this day forward."

The King's announcement was broadcast as crowds continued to build on the perimeter of the capital Kathmandu.

At least 12 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the pro-democracy campaign, which was launched on April 6. Yesterday a shoot-on-sight daytime curfew was implemented within the centre of the capital and at least four people shot dead.

Observers have warned that even a reversion to a form of constitutional monarchy may be too late to appease his opponents. Calls are growing to do away with the tarnished tradition of a monarchy and replace it with an entirely democratic multi-party republic. A curfew was extended into the night.

This morning a fresh wave of demonstrations began on the outskirts of the capital. In the impoverished western district of Kalanki, scene of the most violent protests yesterday which led to three deaths, activists blocked roads with barricades of burning tyres.

Security forces aimed their assault rifles and fired above their heads. A large red and white message painted on the pavement read: "Martyrs’ square, long live the martyrs".

At the Model Hospital, where many of the wounded protesters - including three of those killed - were taken, doctors wore black bands to protest at the shootings.

"It was terrible," said Dr Sarita Pandey. He said 66 wounded people, eight in critical condition, were brought in yesterday. He said the injured included a 10-year-old boy with a gunshot wound and a boy of 5 beaten by police.

The King seized absolute power in February 2005, claiming that the move was necessary to crush a Maoist insurgency that has cost 13,000 lives in the past ten years. But the guerrillas’ grip on rural Nepal has since escalated while the monarch has accelerated his curb on civil liberties.

Late last year the Maoists and political parties announced a coalition to unseat the King and calling for the restoration of multiparty democracy.

Until today, the King has been slow to respond to the growing crisis. This week five leading opposition politicians were released from custody in the first hint of a possible reconciliation.

Today, the pro-democracy Kathmandu Post said: "For the King time has run out.

"No ruler can get away by killing innocent people. We believe the King has gone to the extent of no return. Even if he restores people’s sovereignty as per people’s wishes, he may not be able to protect the 237-year-old institution [of the monarchy]."

The demonstrations appear to encompass all sections of society. Housewives, lawyers and even civil servants have taken to the streets as anti-monarchy sentiment has grown across the country.

The independent International Crisis Group has said that the popular uprising probably signals the approaching end of King Gyanendra's direct rule, but has raised fears over a possible power vacuum.

In a review issued today, it warned: "A successful popular movement could advance the search for peace but will depend on strong political party leadership in dealing with the Maoists. A messy transition would bring its own risks.

"Although domestic events will determine the speed and direction of political change, international players should use their influence to establish practical plans to help stabilise the situation and build a more lasting foundation for peace."