Nepal to Become a Republic

Nepal is becoming a democratic republic today—and it's getting its first taste of democracy's hiccups. As thousands gathered in the streets of Kathmandu to celebrate, the newly-elected constitutional assembly met to abolish the country’s monarchy. But the momentous vote has been delayed a few hours over disagreements about the role of the new president and interim prime minister.

The assembly promises however to abolish the monarchy today whether it reaches a consensus on those issues or not. The king will have 15 days to vacate the palace. “This is the people's victory,” said one 22-year-old former Maoist. The festivities were slightly marred however by an explosion nearby, which injured two, believed to be the work of pro-Royal Hindu militants. (More Nepal stories.)