Loktantra Day – Democracy Day – being celebrated today

April 24, Kathmandu: The 16th Loktantra Diwas ( Democracy Day) is being celebrated all over the country by organizing various programs. 

On 11 Baisakh 2063 BS, the then King Gyanendra reactivated the dissolved parliament as per the roadmap of the revolting parties. Loktantra Diwas has been celebrated all over the country since 2064 BS.

After the dissolution of the parliament in September 2059 BS, the election could not be held due to armed conflict. In the absence of an election, the king began a series of appointments and removals.

King Gyanendra removed Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Surya Bahadur Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba as the Prime ministers. After King Gyanendra took power into his own hands-on 19 January 2061 BS, a 12-point agreement was reached between the seven parties and the then armed group – CPN (Maoist).

The movement gained momentum in Chaitra of 2062 BS when the political power, which had been divided into three poles through a 12-point agreement, came to two poles. The decisive movement started under the leadership of former Prime Minister and then President of the Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala.

Loktantra Diwas has been seen as a precursor for the republic system of governance in the country.