Kathmandu, Nepal—After more than seven years of political wrangling; two constituent assembly elections; paralyzing strikes; deadly street protests; and a massive earthquake, Nepal finally endorsed a new constitution on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. On September 20, it formally adopted the legal document, which has 308 articles, making Nepal a secular, multiparty democracy.
Two-thirds of the 598 lawmakers were needed for the endorsement. That was easily obtained as 507 voted in favor of the revised constitution, 25 members opposed it, and others boycotted the historic parliamentary session.
The English-language Kathmandu Post hailed a constitution written by representatives of the people as the realization of a 65-year-old dream. Prior to this, Nepal was ruled by a monarchy that lasted 240 years (1768-2008).
However, the process to achieving peace in Nepal actually began nearly 10 years earlier. On November 22, 2005, Maoists ended a bloody 10-year insurgency by signing a 12-point memorandum of understanding with the then ruling Seven Party Alliance, a coalition of seven Nepali political parties.
This day was also historic as it was the same day UPF founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, launched UPF in Nepal during a 120-day world speaking tour.
Photos provided by the National News Agency, Nepal (RSS) via The Universal Times.