Thousands rally in Kathmandu ahead of historic vote on monarchy

May 28, 2008, 6:46 GMT

Kathmandu - Thousands of people held rallies in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu Wednesday ahead of a historic vote in the special assembly to abolish the monarchy and turn the country into a federal republic.

The demonstrators were shouting 'Long live republic of Nepal! Bye - Bye Gyanendra,' in Kathmandu's historic Durbar Square, which was the seat of the Nepalese king until the early 1900s, in anticipation of the vote, which analysts predict is certain to be adopted in the 601-member assembly.

However, the meeting was postponed by four hours and was now expected to start at 10:00 GMT as political parties continued to discuss the technical details to implement the decision and possible constitutional amendments.

'People finally have the opportunity to choose their own destiny,' Rajendra Maharjan of Kathmandu said.

The vote in the constituent assembly will end 240 years of monarchy in Nepal which in recent times has drawn controversy and criticism.

Media reports said the political parties were to give King Gyanendra 15 days to vacate the palace after the vote.

The Nepalese capital remained shut and security was tight with thousands of police and armed police deployed in anticipation of trouble leading up to the vote.

Few vehicles operated on the streets and major markets were closed.

The government has declared three-days of national holiday to celebrate the assembly's decision on monarchy.

The government has also banned rallies and demonstrations around the royal palace, the venue of the assembly meeting and the private residence of Gyanendra and the official resident of the prime minister.