Nepal-Political+System

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toc Brief Political History

Nepal for many years remained isolated and closed to foreign and visitors because of the unwanted occupancy of the British. Then in 1950 a palace revolt restored the crown’s authority and the country gained admission the United Nations in 1955. Several years later in 1951a multiparty parliamentary system was established. In 2008, after years of violence and guerrilla warfare by a Maoist movement, favoring the communist form of government prevalent in China, “the monarchy was dissolved and Nepal was declared a democratic republic,” (Encyclopedia Britannica).

The Maoists and the government agreed to the drafting an interim constitution, which was promulgated in January of 2007, which subsequently resulted in the formation of an interim administration. April 2008, marked elections for the constituent assembly consisting of 600 members. The country continued to operate under the interim constitution that provided for a unicameral legislature and a Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister holding the most power (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Today Nepal seeks to keep a balance between the two large countries that border this small nation. The hope is that by balancing these two powers, it will remain independent (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Governing Body:
Nepal is federal democratic republic

Officials:
Executive:

President Ram Baran YADAV (since 23 July 2008 Vice President Paramananda JHA (since 23 July 2008)
 * Chief of State:**

**Head of Government**: vacant Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL resigned on 30 June 2010 **Council of Ministers (Cabinet):** Council of Ministers was formed in May 2009 by a majority coalition made up of the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist-Leninist, Nepali Congress, Madhesi People's Rights Forum, Nepal-Democratic, and several smaller parties. This consists of 42 members.

Legistlative:

**Unicameral Constituent Assembly**: 601 seats 240 members elected by direct popular vote 335 by proportional representation 26 appointed by the Council of Ministers Judicial: **Supreme Court or Sarbochha Adalat**: The president appoints the chief justice on recommendation of the Constitutional CouncilThe chief justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Council

Peoples Role:
All Nepalese citizens 18 and older are eligible to vote. Since the literacy rate in Nepal is so low, most parties have adopted a party symbol. Some voters have to travel long distances, even hours along mountain paths to reach a polling station (Encyclopedia Britannica).

240 members of the Unicameral Constituent Assembly is elected by direct popular vote of the people. The Council of Ministers has been established and formed in May of 2009. These members then vote to select the Heads of State.

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