Kathmandu: The 20th Democracy Day is being observed across the country today with various programs. Democracy Day has been celebrated nationwide since 2007 (B.S. 2064) to commemorate the reinstatement of the dissolved Parliament on Baisakh 11, 2063 (April 24, 2006), following the roadmap of the agitating political parties. The move, announced by then King Gyanendra Shah, marked a victory for the people.
After King Gyanendra assumed direct rule on Magh 19, 2061 (February 1, 2005), a 12-point agreement was reached between the seven political parties and the then CPN (Maoist) in Mangsir 2062, which accelerated the People’s Movement. Based on the draft prepared by the agitating parties, the King announced the reinstatement of Parliament on the night of Baisakh 11, 2063.
The reinstated Parliament, in its meeting on Jestha 4, 2063, curtailed the powers of the monarchy and passed a resolution to bring the Maoists into the peace process and to hold elections for a Constituent Assembly. Consequently, the first Constituent Assembly election was held on Chaitra 28, 2064.
