Nepal’s want of political stability, as promised by the political parties after the monarchy was relinquished in 2008, hasn’t seemed to find the right momentum since. Nepal’s domestic political landscape continues to be defined by frequent changes at the centre, internal divisions within parties, and an overall lack of governmental coherence. What once seemed like a historic moment of emancipation from the monarchy has now become a prolonged struggle with no transformation in sight.

Two decades since the restoration of democracy, the new system of governance in Nepal still seems unable to consolidate itself. The monarchy, which once appeared confined to the pages of history, is beginning to resurface—not institutionally, but symbolically, in the form of growing public nostalgia and sympathy. This development sends a strong signal to the political parties that the democratic experiment, though bold and visionary in its time, has not fulfilled the hopes of the people.

Monarchy Nostalgia Lingers

Nepal, as we know it, was brought together under the rule of Prithvi Narayan Shah, whose monarchial legacy extended over centuries until it fell in 2008. While discontent with the monarchy had grown over time—fuelled by demands for inclusion, accountability, and representation—the symbolic and emotional weight of monarchy never entirely disappeared. The legacy of kingship continues to occupy space in the collective imagination of Nepali society.

The hangover of the monarchial past still lingers, and recent political trends indicate that this sentiment is gaining strength. The failure of successive governments to deliver good governance, coupled with constant infighting among major parties, has made the public increasingly weary. The people's expectations for a functioning, people-oriented democracy are being disappointed year after year. This political ineptitude has triggered something deeper—memories and emotions tied to a system that, while flawed, at least seemed more predictable and cohesive.

Nepal's society has been shaped over generations by monarchial rule. The very structure of communities, rituals, value systems, and historical narratives are deeply rooted in royal legacy. The story of nearly every Nepali household, in some way, intersects with the monarchy. Such deeply ingrained traditions do not vanish with a regime change; they continue to influence how people see authority, leadership, and the state itself. A sudden escape from these longstanding traditions, especially in the absence of a strong replacement, has left a void. That void is increasingly being filled with remembrance and reconsideration of the monarchy—not necessarily as an institution to be restored, but as a symbol of something lost.

Democracy Ringing Hollow

The post-monarchy years have not marked a departure from the old problems but have rather seen their continuation, often in more complex forms. Leaders once seen as champions of republicanism have been caught in corruption scandals. Bureaucratic inefficiencies remain unresolved. Economic stagnation, rising youth unemployment, and disillusionment with politics have created a national mood of frustration. These realities have helped push the agenda of pro-monarchy forces forward. The alliance of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP-Nepal, which openly campaigns for the return of the monarchy, is not rising in a vacuum—it is rising in response to a democratic process that feels hollow to many.

Of course, the revival of monarchist sentiment does not automatically mean that the monarchy will return to power. The re-establishment of royal rule would require not only a legal transformation but also a strong public mandate. However, the real question is not whether the monarchy can return in practical terms—it is why a significant number of people are beginning to show sympathy for it in the first place. Why are the masses, especially the youth, participating in pro-monarchy demonstrations?

The answer lies in the disconnect between political elites and the people. Political parties often appear more focused on consolidating power than delivering services. Development becomes a buzzword during elections but rarely translates into action. Coalitions form and break with little regard for ideological commitment or national interest. Under such conditions, it is not surprising that people begin to romanticize the past. The longing is not necessarily for the king himself, but for a political environment that feels less chaotic and more certain.

Politics Must Deliver

To erase the memory of a nation is no easy task. It's not just about replacing institutions; it’s about rebuilding the imagination of the people. The democratic structure in Nepal may be legally in place, but emotionally, many citizens have not yet transitioned. What political parties fail to realise is that memory cannot be clouded unless replaced with something better—something trustworthy and efficient. In the absence of delivery, people will always look backward for what feels like stability and unity, even if that memory is idealized.

Nepal’s political landscape may not be moving toward a restoration of monarchy, but it is certainly circling back to unresolved questions from its past. As political instability deepens and democratic legitimacy weakens, the line between past and present begins to blur. The fear is not just a return to kingship, but the slow erosion of faith in a system that was meant to be the future.

If Nepal’s political parties cannot provide a functioning and trustworthy alternative, the longing for the past—however problematic—will continue to grow. For democracy to survive and thrive in Nepal, it must deliver not just procedures and elections, but stability, accountability, and a renewed social contract with the people. Until then, the shadow of monarchy will continue to hover—sometimes faint, sometimes forceful—reminding everyone that history, especially in Nepal, never really disappears.

(The author is a Research Scholar, University of North Bengal. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at sherpaamon@gmail.com )