There were enough indications since June 2002 that the country was headed towards this as the covers of Himal Khabarpartika point to in the past three years. There is no point just looking at the past we now need to think about reviving parliamentary democracy which is in a coma. That is our wish on the 55th Democracy Day. Long live democracy.

Will democracy survive?
June 2002
Dispute intensifies inside the Nepal Congress (NC) party about whether to continue or end the state of emergency. Parliament is dissolved at a time when general elections seem virtually impossible. Democracy is at risk.

Decisive
July 2002
The two factions of NC led
by Girija against Deuba
argue over who has the
right to the tree symbol. Election Commission takes its time to decide making it difficult to create an environment for elections.

Whose call?
September 2002
Police Chief Pradip Shamsher Rana creates an obstacle to the elections as he asks for postponement justifying that his force is not ready to provide security.

Going it alone
October 2002
Prime Minister Deuba decides to postpone elections, King Gyanendra dismisses Deuba calling him "incompetent", takes control over state affairs and starts the process of finding a new prime minister.

Handover
December 2002
As soon as Lokendra Bahadur Chand is appointed as premier, he hands over most ministerial authorities and responsibilities to the king.

Political cardgame
February 2003
Like mainstream political parties, the constitutional king also establishes himself as a key player in the government.

Cornered
October 2003
The street protests by main political parties demanding multiparty government and restoration of parliament isolates the king even more.

Destination unknown
April 2004
Chaos and uncertainty is heightened with the lack of unity between the king and the parties in working towards solving the national problem. The movement by the parties continues incessantly without a clue as to where it is leading.

Another 'Bahadur'
May 2004
The king looks for an alternative to Surya Bahadur Thapa. Political leaders meet the king but the king decided to bring back Deuba, the same prime minister he sacked.

The only way out
January 2005
The king and the parties should have made a united effort to end the nine years of conflict and political instability inflicting the country.

February First
February 2005
The Royal Proclamation is made, government is dismissed, emergency declared and the king takes control.