Kathmandu, Feb. 19 -- The Nepali state observed Democracy Day on 19 February inside Tundikhel, but a few hours later civic groups demonstrated on its perimeter demanding that the space be given back to the public.

Democracy Day on Falgun 7 marks the day of the return from India of King Tribhuvan and the formal end to the 104-year rule by the hereditary Rana oligarchy in 1950. However, democracy has seen many ups and downs in the period.

The latest challenge has been by Prime Minister Oli, who dissolved the Lower House and called for snap polls, just a year ahead of schedule. Many saw the move as unconstitutional, and the prime minister going against the country's democratic principles because he could not manage a power struggle within ...