KATHMANDU: Nepalese are evenly divided over whether the Himalayan nation should get rid of the king, a new poll says. The poll of 3,000 people by the US-based National Democratic Institute and market research firm AC Nielson found 49 per cent wanted an end to the monarchy while 48 per cent favoured retaining the institution.

The results of the nationwide poll, published on Friday in the weekly Nepalese Times, come five months after massive popular protests forced King Gyanendra to give up absolute rule and restore parliament.

The monarch, traditionally revered as the incarnation of the Hindu god of protection, Lord Vishnu, was vaulted to the throne by the 2001 massacre of his popular brother King Birendra and most other members of the royal family.

Gyanendra’s reputation nosedived after he sacked the government and seized power in February 2005, saying the moves were necessary to crush a deadly decade-old Maoist revolt.

The Maoists and some political parties want the monarchy abolished and Nepal to become a republic but most political parties say the king should have a ceremonial role.

The Maoists and the seven-party coalition government have agreed on plans to hold elections to a constituent assembly next year that would rewrite the constitution and decide the king’s future.

Eighty-nine per cent said the country was headed in the right direction after years of Maoist violence and political upheaval. —AFP