Background: In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003. In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short of reestablishing parliament, the king in June 2004 reinstated the most recently elected prime minister who formed a four-party coalition government, which the king subsequently tasked with paving the way for elections to be held in spring of 2005. Citing dissatisfaction with the government's lack of progress in addressing the Maoist insurgency, the king in February 2005 dissolved the government and assumed power.
May 5th 2008Asia » Nepal » Gorak Shep Haha! Ok, so we didn't run up to base camp, but we sure made it there! The round trip took 15 days, and now we are back in Kathmandu enjoying some more flavourful foods and not having to get up earl ... [full story]
December 28th 2008Asia » Nepal » Gorak Shep I'm almost to the top! Just a few more blogs to write before the big day! Hope you're all excited to hear about it! Here's a sneak peek at the peak ... 3 photos[full story]
November 13th 2007Asia » Nepal » Gorak Shep We are only 10 days away from heading home (finally). We're currently in Ko Lanta, Thailand chilling on the beach drinking lassis. Simon's met up with a mate from his Swedish high school and we are ... 74 photos[full story]
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