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Nepal Elections Rocked by Former King's Statement

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. elections-rocked-by-former-king-s-statement.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 1:18 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: NEPAL, INDIA

Kathmandu, Nepal - February 20th, 2026 - Just days before Nepal heads to the polls for crucial parliamentary elections, a statement released by former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has plunged the nation's political landscape into controversy. The message, delivered on Thursday, is widely seen as a veiled endorsement of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and its platform of restoring a constitutional monarchy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups and raising questions about the enduring influence of the royal family in Nepali politics.

The former King's statement, simple in its wording - "I wish for a future where all Nepalis are happy, prosperous and united" - has nevertheless become a focal point of debate. While seemingly innocuous, the timing of the message, so close to the elections, has fuelled speculation that it's a deliberate attempt to sway public opinion in favour of the RPP. This interpretation is particularly strong given the RPP's consistent advocacy for the reinstatement of a constitutional monarchy, a system abolished in 2008 following years of political upheaval and the end of the Nepali Civil War.

The RPP has eagerly embraced the former King's message, with senior party officials proclaiming it as a clear sign of support. Party spokesperson, Indira Thapa, stated yesterday, "This message resonates deeply with our party's vision for a stable and prosperous Nepal. It validates our belief that a constitutional monarchy can provide the necessary stability and unity our nation needs."

However, opposition parties have vehemently condemned what they see as an attempt to exploit the monarchy for political gain. The Nepali Congress Party (NCP) has called for an investigation into whether the RPP coordinated the release of the message. NCP leader, Prakash Koirala, accused the RPP of "shamelessly attempting to leverage the revered institution of the monarchy for electoral advantage, undermining the principles of democracy." He added, "The Nepali people deserve a free and fair election, not one manipulated by remnants of the past."

The Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML), traditionally a strong contender in Nepali elections, has also voiced its concerns. While less overtly critical, a CPN-UML spokesperson emphasized the importance of respecting the democratic process and cautioned against any external influence on the electorate. "Nepal has moved forward as a republic, and the elections must reflect the will of the people, free from any interference," they stated.

This controversy arrives at a critical juncture for Nepal. The parliamentary elections are expected to determine the country's next government and shape its political trajectory for years to come. The nation has experienced considerable political instability since the abolition of the monarchy, with frequent changes in government and ongoing socio-economic challenges. Many Nepalis are seeking stability and economic progress, creating a fertile ground for the RPP's message of restoring a perceived golden age.

Political analysts suggest the former King's statement, regardless of intent, carries significant weight with a segment of the Nepali population who retain a degree of nostalgia for the monarchy. Dr. Sunita Sharma, a political science professor at Tribhuvan University, explained, "While the majority of Nepalis may support the republic, there remains a considerable portion, particularly in rural areas, who remember the monarchy fondly and associate it with a sense of national identity and stability. This message could sway those undecided voters."

Further complicating matters is Nepal's complex geopolitical situation. Neighbouring India and China both exert significant influence over the country, and the outcome of the elections could have implications for regional power dynamics. The RPP's platform, perceived by some as leaning towards closer ties with India, has already drawn scrutiny from certain quarters.

The Election Commission of Nepal has stated it is monitoring the situation closely and will take appropriate action if any party is found to be violating election rules. However, enforcing regulations regarding indirect endorsements and the influence of public figures remains a challenge.

The coming days will be crucial as Nepal prepares to exercise its democratic rights. Whether the former King's message will ultimately prove decisive remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly injected a new level of volatility into an already tightly contested election.