THE FIRST DECADE OF DEMOCRACY IN NEPAL: CHALLENGES, EXPERIMENTS, AND LESSONS LEARNED

The abolition of the oligarchic Rana regime in 1951 marked a significant turning point in Nepal's history, ushering in a decade of democratic experimentation. This study examines the socio-political developments during Nepal’s first democratic decade (1951–1960), focusing on the challenges, governance issues, and internal dynamics that defined this transformative period. The research explores key events, such as the revolutionary movement against the Rana regime, the Delhi Agreement, and the establishment of democracy by King Tribhuvan. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilizes descriptive and analytical methods, relying on secondary data sourced from historical archives, libraries, and personal collections. Analysis reveals that the lack of governance experience among political leaders and internal conflicts within the leading political party of the time undermined the stability and effectiveness of the nascent democratic system. Despite aspirations for progress, the democratic experiment faced significant setbacks, culminating in King Mahendra’s coup and the establishment of the partyless Panchayat system. By critically evaluating the successes and failures of Nepal’s first democratic decade, this study provides insights into the complexities of transitioning from autocracy to democracy and highlights the enduring lessons for Nepal’s political evolution.