Which person was the initial prime minister of Nepal to be chosen through elections?

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Nepal is a country that has undergone significant political changes over the years. Among these changes was the establishment of democracy, which entailed electing leaders into office. The process of democratization in Nepal started in the early 1950s, and various leaders have been elected since then. This article focuses on the first prime minister of Nepal who was elected through a democratic process.

The rise of democracy in Nepal

Nepal has a rich history of monarchy, and for the better part of the 20th century, the country was ruled by kings. However, in 1990, there was a movement for democracy, which saw the king concede to the establishment of a multiparty system. The parties that were in existence came together to form an alliance, which pushed for free and fair elections. The movement was successful, and the first democratic elections were held in Nepal in 1991.

The first elections in Nepal

The elections held in Nepal in 1991 were significant as they marked a new era of democracy in the country. The elections were held under the new constitution that had been promulgated earlier that year. The constitution provided for a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives being the lower house and the National Assembly the upper house. The parties that contested in the elections included the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), and the National Democratic Party.

The prime ministerial candidates

The candidates who vied for the position of prime minister in the 1991 elections were Girija Prasad Koirala of the Nepali Congress, Man Mohan Adhikari of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai of the National Democratic Party. The three candidates were experienced politicians, and each had their own unique vision for the country.

The electoral process and results

The elections were conducted over a two-day period, with over 80% of the eligible voters turning out to vote. The Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party, winning 110 out of the 205 seats in the House of Representatives. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) came second, with 69 seats, while the National Democratic Party won 11 seats.

The winner of the elections

Girija Prasad Koirala of the Nepali Congress was declared the winner of the elections, and he became the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal. Koirala had a long history of political activism, having spent time in jail for his role in the democracy movement. His victory was celebrated by many in the country, as it symbolized a new era of democracy.

His background and political career

Girija Prasad Koirala was born in 1924 in Nepal, and he grew up in a politically active family. He joined the Nepali Congress at a young age, and he played a significant role in the democracy movement that led to the establishment of a multiparty system in 1990. Koirala served as prime minister on five separate occasions, and he was also a key figure in the peace process that ended the decade-long civil war in Nepal.

Challenges and achievements as prime minister

Koirala faced many challenges during his tenure as prime minister, including political instability and economic difficulties. However, he was credited with introducing many reforms that helped to modernize the country and improve the lives of its citizens. Among his achievements were the establishment of a new constitution, the introduction of a minimum wage, and the expansion of healthcare services.

Legacy and impact on Nepalese politics

Girija Prasad Koirala is remembered as a key figure in the democratization of Nepal. His victory in the 1991 elections marked a new era of democracy in the country, and he played a significant role in shaping Nepalese politics for many years to come. Koirala’s legacy continues to be felt in Nepal, and his contribution to the country’s political and social development will always be remembered.

Political developments after his tenure

After Koirala’s tenure as prime minister, Nepal continued to face political and economic challenges. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, with the establishment of a new constitution in 2015 and the successful completion of local elections in 2017. Nepal is currently led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who has embarked on a program of economic and social reform.

Conclusion: Who was the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal?

Girija Prasad Koirala was the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal. His victory in the 1991 elections marked a significant moment in Nepalese history, as it signaled the establishment of a multiparty democracy in the country. Koirala’s contributions to Nepalese politics and society will always be remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire many in Nepal and beyond.