Nepal's rocky road to democracy
Sunday marked the beginning of a two-phase election in Nepal — the first since it turned into a federal republic and abolished monarchy in 2008
1996: Maoists launch rebellion to try to topple monarchy
2006: King Gyanendra gives up absolute power after widespread protests. Girija Prasad Koirala sworn in as prime minister and invites rebels, signing a peace deal with their chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda"
2008: Special constituent assembly votes to abolish the 239-year-old monarchy and turn Nepal into a republic. Prachanda is elected prime minister
2010: The constituent assembly extends its term after failing to deliver a new charter within the stipulated period of two years
2012: The assembly is dissolved without adopting any constitution amid wrangling among political parties
2013: A second constituent assembly is elected to continue the unfinished task of drafting the charter
2015: Worst earthquake on record kills 9,000 people and brings political parties together. Constituent assembly approves charter, turning Nepal into a secular federal democratic republic. Madhesis reject it, calling it discriminatory
2017 (May-September): First elections to local bodies in 20 years held. Lawmakers reject a government proposal to amend the constitution to meet Madhesi demands