The Panchayat Era and the 1990 People's Movement (2017–2046 BS)

After the royal coup of December 1960, Nepal lived for thirty years under the Panchayat system, a "party-less democracy" in which the king held the real power. It ended with the people's movement of 1990 (2046 BS). This chapter explains what the system was, why it faced opposition, and how it fell.

Dates of the 1990 movement are given as widely cited, and a few differ by a day between sources. Use your textbook if an exact day is asked.

What was the Panchayat system?

King Mahendra argued that Western-style political parties did not suit Nepal. In 1962 (2019 BS), he introduced a new constitution that created a party-less Panchayat system:

• It was organised in levels: village (gaun) panchayats, then town, district and zonal panchayats, and at the top the Rastriya Panchayat (National Panchayat), which served as the legislature.
• Political parties were banned, and candidates stood as individuals.
• The king chose the prime minister, could dismiss governments and held the supreme power.
• The system was presented as rooted in Nepali tradition and was linked to the slogan of going "back to the village" and the development campaigns of the time.
• Class and professional organisations (for peasants, women, youth, workers, ex-servicemen and so on) were set up under the system's control.

The kings of the period

• King Mahendra (reigned 1955–1972). Founded the system. During his reign, the Muluki Ain was revised (1963, 2020 BS), removing legal discrimination by caste, and the country built major roads and began a land reform effort, although with limited results.
• King Birendra (1972–2001). Continued the system. He was crowned in 1975. He is also associated with the 1975 proposal that Nepal be recognised as a "zone of peace".

Opposition and unrest

Many political leaders were jailed or exiled, including B. P. Koirala, who spent years in prison and in exile in India. Parties such as the Nepali Congress kept up an underground opposition, and communist groups were also active. Student movements, especially in 1979, forced concessions.

The 1980 referendum

After the student protests of 1979, King Birendra announced a referendum to let the people choose between a reformed Panchayat system and a multiparty system. It was held in May 1980 (2037 BS). The Panchayat system narrowly won, with roughly 55 per cent of the vote. The opposition said the vote had not been fair. The result allowed the system to continue, with some amendments, such as direct election of the national legislature.

The immediate causes of the 1990 movement

• The 1989 trade and transit dispute with India. When the trade and transit treaties between Nepal and India expired in March 1989, India imposed restrictions on goods reaching Nepal, which caused severe shortages. Many people blamed the government.
• Anger at corruption and lack of freedom.
• Changes elsewhere. Democratic movements were then sweeping Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.
• Unity of the opposition. The Nepali Congress and the left parties, grouped as the United Left Front, joined together for the movement.

The 1990 People's Movement (Jana Andolan)

• The movement was launched on 18 February 1990 (7 Falgun 2046 BS), the anniversary of Democracy Day, by the Nepali Congress and the United Left Front, jointly.
• Over the following weeks it grew into mass protests, strikes and demonstrations in Kathmandu and other cities. Government forces used force, and many people were killed and injured, particularly in early April.
• On 8 April 1990 (26 Chaitra 2046 BS), King Birendra gave in. He lifted the ban on political parties and ended the Panchayat system.
• An interim government was formed under Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, which included the Nepali Congress, the left parties and representatives of the king.

The new constitution (1990)

The interim government appointed a commission, and a new constitution was promulgated on 9 November 1990 (23 Kartik 2047 BS). Its main features:

• A constitutional monarchy with a multiparty parliamentary system.
• Sovereignty belonged to the people, and the king became a constitutional head of state.
• Fundamental rights, an independent judiciary and a bicameral parliament.
• The country was declared a Hindu kingdom (a feature later debated).

The first general election under this constitution was held in May 1991. The Nepali Congress won a majority, and Girija Prasad Koirala became prime minister.

Exam focus

• Royal coup and ban on parties: 15 December 1960 (1 Poush 2017 BS).
• Panchayat constitution: 1962 (2019 BS).
• Referendum: May 1980 (2037 BS); the Panchayat system narrowly won.
• Start of the 1990 movement: 7 Falgun 2046 BS (18 February 1990).
• End of the Panchayat system: 26 Chaitra 2046 BS (8 April 1990).
• Interim prime minister: Krishna Prasad Bhattarai.
• Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal: 23 Kartik 2047 BS (9 November 1990).
• First election after 1990: May 1991; PM Girija Prasad Koirala.

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