Nepalese royalists demand restoration of monarchy ahead of March elections

Supporters of Nepal's former royal family held a peaceful rally in Kathmandu on Jan. 11 calling for restoration of the monarchy; the interim government has set parliamentary elections for March.

Supporters of Nepal's deposed royal family held a rally in Kathmandu on Sunday calling for restoration of the monarchy. The gathering marked the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. It was the first public pro-royalist rally since protests in September led to an interim government. Authorities monitored the event and the gathering remained peaceful. Known details: - The rally took place in Kathmandu on Jan. 11, with participants calling for the return of the monarchy. - The event coincided with the annual observance of King Prithvi Narayan Shah's birth anniversary. - This was the first pro-royalist demonstration since September protests led to an interim government, and officials kept a close watch as it stayed peaceful. - The interim government has scheduled parliamentary elections for March, and reports note the royal family still has notable public support. Summary: The rally indicates continuing royalist sentiment in Nepal and adds a visible element to the political environment ahead of scheduled March parliamentary elections. The interim government's handling of the lead-up to the vote and the elections themselves are the next major political milestones.