Nepalese Monarchy
A Stabilising Institution

By Dr. Mohan Lohani

MONARCHY is without doubt the most highly revered institution that commands respect, affection and loyalty from all sections of society. The Crown is regarded as the symbol of national unity. It plays a unique unifying role to bring together various communities and ethnic groups and inculcate in them a sense of national unity combined with a sense of pride in being a Nepali, whereever he or she may be. At a time when the country is plauged by numerous diverse problems such as terrorist violence, political instability, bad governance, and mounting corruption and is passing through a grave crisis, monarchy is the only institution that stands tall as a stabilising force. As the Constitution of Nepal, 1990 categorically states, the Crown is the custodian of the Constitution. As a corollary, in the event of a constitutional crisis, the Crown has the constitutional authority to avert and manage the crisis.

Enthronement

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev ascended the throne at one of the most difficult and saddest moments in the history of this country. Only last year, a tragedy of unprecedented magnitude struck the Royal Family of Nepal, plunging all at home and abroad into a pool of sorrow and grief. HM King Gyanendra endured this tragedy marked by the tragic demise of his beloved brother King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, and other members of the Royal Family with exemplary fortitude and urged his countrymen to remain calm and maintain unity in the hour of distress. Besides, in his first speech from the throne, the wise and enlightened monarch pledged his commitment to democratic rule based on multi-party system in the country. In fact, this commitment has been reiterated by His Majesty on different occasions such as the Constitution Day and the National Democracy Day since the King’s accession to the throne last year. His Majesty is profoundly disturbed and concerned about continued acts of terror and violence that have hit different parts of the country and adversely affected developmental activities. King Gyanendra strongly believes that terror and violence can never be a solution to the people’s grievances, however genuine, and other manifold problems of the country.

His Majesty King Gyanendra, during his recent state visit to India, drew the attention of Indian dignitaries to Maoist insurgency faced by this country for the last six years and eloquently observed: "In recent years, Nepal too has been afflicted with the menace of terrorism. Terrorists have launched a series of disruptive activities against society and the very roots of democracy. Nepal deployed armed forces in the interest of maintaining law and order and protecting the lives and liberty of the people." His Majesty expressed appreciation for Indian support and solidarity in Nepal’s fight against terrorism.

His Majesty King Gyanendra, while maintaining the dignity of a constitutional monarch, is aware of his responsibilities towards the country and its people. In a recent interview to an Indian journalist, the Nepalese monarch asserted this awareness forcefully and observed: "In keeping with the tradition of the Shah dynasty, the challenging responsibility of upholding the laws of the land and an opportunity of serving Nepal and the Nepalese has fallen on our shoulders. As a dutiful descendant, we shall not shy away from fulfilling our duty."

Politicians, intellectuals and other responsible members of civil society have positively reacted to HM’s forthright views on national and international issues including Nepal’s relations with its neighbours. Nepal has maintained the best of relations with its neighbours and does not believe, as His Majesty has righty reiterated, in playing off one country against the other. What has been further reaffirmed by His Majesty is Nepal’s firm policy not to allow Nepalese soil to be used for hostile activities against its neighbours. The Royal couple are already back home after a successful state visit to India. Foreign policy experts of this country have unamimously expressed the view that the Royal visit has not only addded a new dimension to age-old Nepal-India relations but has also enhanced the credibility and international prestige of Nepal.

No less importance has been attached by Nepal to its traditional friendship with the People’s Republic of China. There is no doubt that the forthcoming state visit of Their Majesties to China, our northern neighbour, will be another milestone in further cementing the close, cordial, friendly and cooperative relations existing between the two countries. While this country believes in friendship with all and enmity towards none. Nepal values highly its friendship, in particular with its immediate neighbours.

As stated earlier, HM King Gyanendra is deeply committed to the consolidation of democracy in the country. But what worries the monarch is the failure of political actors to live up to democratic norms and values such as accountability, transparency, good governance and respect for the rule of law. Nepalese living abroad share the concern of His Majesty. They, too, have voiced their concern over bad governance, political corruption, Maoist insurgency resulting in acts of violence and terror, internecine feuds and sqabbles within and among political parties and their failure to deliver goods to the people.

Assertive Role

All Nepalis, whether they are at home or abroad, earnestly crave for peace, progress, security and development. Besides, they would like to see an active and assertive role of the King in conflict resolution leading to good governance and the honest efforts on the part of those at the helm of affairs to address the concerns and grievances of the people. Multiple challenges and problems confronting the country and the failure of those wielding the reins of power to resolve them has led many to question the relevance of multi-party democracy to a country like Nepal which has seen twelve years of bad leadership and weakened institutions. The Foundation of Nepalis in America (NA), an organisation that seeks to represent Nepalese nationals living abroad and their views and aspirations, has urged all political parties to rise above their petty interests and differences and rededicate themselves to serve the King and the people. Needless to point out, monarchy in this country has introduced reforms and changes, from time to time, in conformity with the wishes and aspirations of the people. On this auspicious occasion, the nation wishes His Majesty a long life, good health and happiness.

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