CNN has just reported that the new government of Nepal changed its country to a republic, effectively abolishing the monarchy. The monarchy is expected to receive a letter from the government to vacate the royal palace in 15 days. Maoist has the clear majority in the parliament, and government officials have been working late in the evening to facilitate the country’s new transition.

I am happy for the people of Nepal for this historic event. There is no guarantee that the current government will improve the lives of its citizens, but shifting the country away from aristocratic rule is a huge progress. Such progress could have materialized without the massive protests and the will of the people. Although it is too early to tell, I think the new Nepal has a strong start. I hope they can learn from other countries’ mistakes and avoid painful road blocks, such as government corruptions, as they develop their country. I will be monitoring this situation for the coming weeks.