Lokendra Bahadur Chand: The Last Prime Minister of the Panchayat Era Reflects on Nepal's Political History
Summary
Lokendra Bahadur Chand, the last Prime Minister of Nepal's Panchayat era, reflects on the political upheaval leading to the restoration of democracy following the 2046 BS People's Movement and King Birendra's role in dissolving the Panchayat government.
Key Points
- King Birendra dissolved the Marich Man Singh-led cabinet during the intense 2046 BS People's Movement and appointed Lokendra Bahadur Chand as Prime Minister.
- Chand chaired a four-member cabinet tasked with negotiating with political parties and reforming the constitution towards a multi-party system.
- The Panchayat system and monarchy eventually ended during Chand's lifetime, who served as Prime Minister four times and remains the sole surviving Panchayat-era PM.
- Discussions between political leaders and the monarchy culminated in the lifting of the ban on political parties and restoration of multi-party democracy.
