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If we delve into Nepal’s history, we discover that the country was unified under the Shah dynasty, a monarchical system. What if King Prithvi Narayan Shah had never considered unifying the country—would we be here today on this soil? This fact from the past ties the monarchy closely to Nepal’s identity and heritage.

But the Nepal of today faces a very different reality. Ever since the monarchy was abolished in 2008, the nation has adopted a federal democratic republican system, intending to give equal voice and rights to people from varied backgrounds. The new constitution, enacted in 2015, was intended to create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable state. Yet despite these intentions, the democratic experiment has struggled to deliver sustained stability and prosperity. Political disputes, governmental instability, corruption, and economic challenges have all contributed to growing public frustration.

This dissatisfaction has led some Nepalis to look back at the monarchy nostalgically, remembering it as a force for unity and stability. For many, the king was an apolitical unifying figure who could protect the country’s sovereignty and cultural values. By contrast, the current democratic system is often seen as fragmented and slow in addressing pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural development.

But the question remains: Is a return to monarchy a genuine solution, or merely a longing for simpler times in an age of uncertainty?

Democracy in Nepal is still young. It requires time, education, and public engagement to build a robust democratic culture. Instead of returning to a system that was abolished for valid reasons, it may be wiser to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting political accountability, and encouraging inclusive governance that respects Nepal’s rich diversity.

Although the spectre of the monarchy still lingers in the minds of many Nepalis, the nation’s destiny lies in its ability to look forward and stabilise its democracy rather than turn back. Nepal’s potential for progress rests not in restoring past systems, but in charting new paths that unite the country through justice, equality, and sustainable development.