Nepal's interim legislature Wednesday amended the country's interim constitution to enable parliament to abolish the monarchy under special circumstances, according to dpa. The interim legislature voted by 281 in favour and two against to adopt the changes proposed by the Maoists after a discussion that went on till late Wednesday night. The amendment paves the way for the parliament to abolish Nepal's 238-year-old institution through a two-thirds majority of the 329 member interim legislature if the king in any way obstructs the holding of constituent assembly elections. The Maoists have in the past accused the king and his supporters of conspiring against democratic forces by instigating violence across the country. Political analysts say that with the amendment the Maoists are likely to push for abolishment of Nepal's monarchy via parliament ahead of constituent assembly elections deferred till mid-November. Prior to this, Nepal's interim constitution categorically stated that the fate of the monarchy would be decided by the constituent assembly formed after the elections. However, the Maoists in particular have demanded the abolishment of the monarchy, saying that constituent assembly elections are not possible even in November if the monarchy remains. Nepal's King Gyanendra was stripped of virtually all powers after a mass movement toppled his government in April 2006. Wednesday's constitutional amendment was the second promulgated since January. The first amendment guaranteed increased seats for Nepal's restive southern plains following violent protests demanding a greater role for the ethnic Madhesi community in government.
