Prologue: Flying the Flag

Summary

On 28 May 2008, a few hours before midnight, and just 20 days after the Election Commission of Nepal announced the results of the historic Constituent Assembly polls, the first meeting of the Assembly declared the abolition of the country's 239-year-old monarchy. It resulted in a magical and rare outburst of collective emotions. Traditional and staunchly monarchical, the Kingdom of Nepal became the youngest republic in the world—without a single bullet being fired. A twenty-first century republic!

All day, Kathmandu was celebration personified. Political party activists staged rallies in different corners of the city, waving flags and chanting republican slogans. Cultural events—traditional dance, songs and recitations—were performed throughout the city. Many young students painted their faces with the slogan Republican Nepal. Some radical activists even burnt effigies of the deposed King—their bête noire.

There was unending public enthusiasm. In the evening, thousands of candles were lit and firecrackers set off across the blue-black sky, adding to the festivities. Many people illuminated their houses, to celebrate the birth of a republic.

The historic declaration of the republic was made in the Birendra International Convention Centre which was named ater the late king and was inaugurated by him 15 years ago. The Centre's Sagarmatha Hall was chosen to host the first official meeting of the new Constituent Assembly, signalling the end of the rule of the Shah dynasty.