Former Nepalese King Criticizes Lack of Progress on Constitution

Posted July 7th, 2011 at 1:00 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

Nepal's former king has chided the country's lawmakers for failing to come up with a constitution and stable government in the years since the monarchy was abolished.

Gyanendra Shah told reporters Thursday that he does not understand why there has not been more progress since he gave up his crown in a peaceful transition in 2006.

After establishing Nepal as a republic, lawmakers were supposed to produce a constitution for the nation within two years. But they have failed to complete the task even after two extensions.

The former king stepped down in response to pro-democracy protests. But he still has his fans. Thursday, his 64th birthday, hundreds of monarchists gathered at his home to present him with flowers and call for his reinstatement.