Melodrama for monarchy

The monarchists' idea that the return of constitutional monarchy will solve Nepal’s problems is nostalgic, amnesiac and ahistoric.

Monarchists would have us believe that the restoration of the throne is the panacea to Nepal's troubles. They argue that the monarch, in this case, the former king Gyanendra Shah, will reign in venal politicians, stand for national unity, protect Nepal’s sovereignty, and spearhead economic development. Judging by the increasing size of Shah's followers, it appears that people are listening. Until a few years ago, the monarchists consisted of conservatives and direct beneficiaries of the authoritarian monarchy of the past. Now, people with no political affiliation throng every public event attended by the former king.