Nepali king calls for multiparty democracy

Nepali King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said on Monday the Nepalese people wish to build a prosperous Nepal through a meaningful exercise in multiparty democracy.

In his message on the occasion of the 57th National Democracy Day, the King said the Nepalese people alone are the arbitrators of their own destiny.

"It is clear that the prevailing situation compelled us to take the February 1, 2005 step in accordance with the people's aspiration to reactivate the elected bodies by maintaining law and order following the dissolution of the House of Representatives at the recommendation of the elected Prime Minister of the day, who was unable to conduct general elections within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution," said the King in his message.

"Subsequent governments, too, were not successful in this task. Various obstacles thwarted our resolve to install elected representative bodies. We are also morally responsible for any success or failure during the 15 month effort."

King Gyanendra said the House of Representatives was reinstated on April 24, 2006 with the confidence that the nation would forge ahead on the path to national unity and prosperity, while ensuring permanent peace and safeguarding multiparty democracy.

Source: Xinhua