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Nepalese King Stripped of More Power

After weeks of rioting that led to the restoration of democratic government in Nepal, King Gyanendra has now been stripped by the Parliament in Kathmandu of power to veto legislation. The king had seized full power some months back, using the threat of Maoist rebels as an excuse to cut democratic freedoms and engage in ruthless oppression. But months and months of pressure finally broke loose in April and May, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in spite of a government-ordered curfew in an ultimately successful anti-tyranny campaign.

There was a time when the king in Nepal was considered to be something of a god-head, such times are no more. With the continual stripping of Gyanendra?s powers and duties, the king is now more of the type of ceremonial royalty of other nations. But unlike other countries which are constitutional monarchies, Gyanendra is no longer considered to be the head of the Nepalese nation, with the government being referred to now as ?Nepal government? instead of ?His Majesty?s government?.

With the restoration of Parliament?s powers after an extended forced break, there were worries in some countries of what would replace Gyanendra. Most of these worries were held by former colonial powers in Europe, knowing full-well the consequences of a strong government being handed back to the people without proper preparation. Even so, the transition from one-man rule to democratic rule has seemingly been smooth, though there still may be rough times ahead for the small Asian nation.