20th Loktantra Diwas being observed nationwide today

Kathmandu, April 24: The 20th Loktantra Diwas is being observed across the country today by organising various programmes, including tributes to those who lost their lives during democratic movements.

The day is marked in remembrance of the historic 19-day People’s Movement of 2062/63 BS, which led to the end of the direct rule and autocratic regime of then King Gyanendra Shah and the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.

The monarchy’s direct rule was formally ended on April 24, 2006 (11 Baisakh 2063 BS), while the House of Representatives, dissolved earlier on May 22, 2002 (8 Jestha 2059 BS), was reinstated following the success of the movement.

In his proclamation at the time, then King Gyanendra Shah stated that the House of Representatives was reinstated in line with public sentiment expressed through the movement, noting that state power ultimately rests with the people of Nepal.

Following the reinstatement, a meeting of the House of Representatives was convened on April 28, 2006, with the participation of seven political parties and the then-rebel Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

Nepal later adopted a federal democratic republican system after the promulgation of the Constitution in 2015 by the Constituent Assembly. The country has since held three federal elections and two rounds of provincial and local elections under the federal structure.