The institutional structure of Nepal has been weakened through its recent experience of political instability. The king seized power in 2005, which precipitated the mass demonstrations of the People’s Movement (Jana Andolan), which sought a return to, and the further development of, democracy in Nepal. This occurred in parallel with the culmination of the Maoist insurgency, which ended in 2006 under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Rebel leaders demanded a move to republicanism and the convening of an assembly to draft a new constitution for the Himalayan state. These events heralded the beginnings of the constitutional reform process. Central to the facilitation of the reform is the Constitution of Nepal 2015, which replaced the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 and the 1990 Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal.
The legal system is based on English Common Law. It adopted secularism as a key tenet of the constitution (and thereby declassified the country as a “Hindu Kingdom”). However, it retains some Hindu legal concepts. Despite the transition to a republic, the basis of the parliamentary system remains. Part 8 of the Constitution of Nepal 2015 gives legislative authority to the Federal Parliament, which is bicameral and consists of two houses: the House of Representatives (lower house) and the National Assembly (upper house). The Federal Parliament consists of a total of 334 members. The House of Representatives consist of a total of 275 members, and the National Assembly consist of 59 members. Members of the Federal Parliament are elected from the seven provinces, with each province contributing 8 members (except for the 3 presidential appointees). At least 3 of the 8 members from each province must be women. With the exception of certain money bills, legislation can be introduced in either house, must be passed by both houses and approved by the President.