BST

Maoist victory in Nepal spells end for 240-year-old monarchy

The Maoist Communist Party of Nepal will end up with a shade fewer than 220 seats in the 601-member assembly, winning half the 240 constituencies and a third of the 335 seats allocated under proportional representation

a new Nepali constitution and end the 240-year-old monarchy.

Analysts say that the former rebels managed to directly elect 21 women, compared to the one female assembly member elected by the Nepali Congress

"The dalits (untouchables) of Nepal voted solidly for them. That is 14% of the population. These people have been outcastes in Nepali society for decades and finally they felt they could teach the older parties who were seen as corrupt a lesson," said C K Lal, a prominent columnist.

"In a number of ways [Maoists] have shown themselves to be much more inclusive."

Although the Maoists will be dominant, they cannot rule alone – and talks have begun to bring in the established parties into government.