Nepal votes to become republic
Thursday, 29 May 2008 08:58
Nepal votes to end 240 years of monarchy
Nepal has voted to end 240 years of royal rule and become the world's newest republic.
At a meeting of the country's constituent assembly, in the capital city of Kathmandu last night, the motion to abolish the monarchy was overwhelming passed.
The country's largest party, the Maoists, announced they were committed to ousting King Gyanendra after laying down arms and standing in last month's national elections.
The king has now been given 15 days to vacate his palace in Kathmandu.
The republican declaration announced on Wednesday stated that Nepal will be "an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular and an inclusive democratic republic".
"Nepal has turned into a democratic republic, all the existing laws and administrative functions that contradict this idea will be invalidated from today," it was announced.
"All the privileges enjoyed by the king and royal family will automatically come to an end."
May 29th will be celebrated as Republic Day in Nepal from now on.
After the declaration was announced thousands of people gathered out the assembly in support of the decision.