Nepal election: Is the monarchy still a force, two decades after ouster?

"The country is in one of the most painful situations in its history. In a democracy, it is appropriate for state systems and processes to operate in accordance with constitutional principles. While periodic elections are natural processes in a democratic system, prevailing sentiments suggest that elections should proceed only after national consensus to avoid post-election conflict or unrest."

"Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah landed in Kathmandu to a red carpet welcome by thousands of supporters, with chants of Raja aau, desh bachau! (Come back, king, save the country!), a slogan popular among Nepal's royalists, ringing out."

"Since the 239-year-old monarchy was abolished in 2008, Nepal, an impoverished nation of 30 million people, has been plagued with political instability. It has seen 14 governments and nine prime ministers since, with power rotating between the former Maoist rebels' party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), and the Nepali Congress."

Former King Gyanendra Shah, removed from power 20 years ago, returned to Nepal's capital in February 2026 to a massive royalist reception. The 78-year-old released a video message opposing the parliamentary election scheduled for that week, arguing that elections should proceed only after national consensus to prevent post-election conflict. Shah framed Nepal as being in one of its most painful historical situations, appealing to citizens with lingering nostalgia for the monarchy abolished in 2008. Since the monarchy's abolition, Nepal has experienced severe political instability, cycling through 14 governments and nine prime ministers, with power alternating between former Maoist rebels and the Nepali Congress.

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