More than half a century in the making: Nepal enshrines new constitution

By Sugam Pokharel and Salim Essaid, CNN

Updated 2350 GMT (0750 HKT) September 20, 2015

Nepalese activists of the Madhesi group chant slogans against the proposed constitution at near parliament in Kathmandu on September 19, 2015. The new constitution, endorsed in parliament, is the first to be drawn up by elected representatives of Nepal's people after centuries of autocratic rule. It is the final stage in a peace process that began when the Maoists laid down their arms in 2006 after a decade-long civil war with state forces and turned to politics, winning parliamentary elections two years later and abolishing the monarchy.
Photos: Nepal's long road to a new constitution
Nepalese activists of the Madhesi group chant slogans against the proposed constitution at near parliament in Kathmandu on September 19, 2015. The new constitution, endorsed in parliament, is the first to be drawn up by elected representatives of Nepal's people after centuries of autocratic rule. It is the final stage in a peace process that began when the Maoists laid down their arms in 2006 after a decade-long civil war with state forces and turned to politics, winning parliamentary elections two years later and abolishing the monarchy.
Hide Caption
1 of 9
In this photograph taken on September 17, 2015, Nepalese activists hold lighted candles as they celebrate the country's new national constitution in Kathmandu.
Photos: Nepal's long road to a new constitution
In this photograph taken on September 17, 2015, Nepalese activists hold lighted candles as they celebrate the country's new national constitution in Kathmandu.
Hide Caption
2 of 9
Nepalese youths hold candles and sing as they celebrate Nepal's new national constitution in Kathmandu on September 17, 2015, work on which began in 2008.
Photos: Nepal's long road to a new constitution
Nepalese youths hold candles and sing as they celebrate Nepal's new national constitution in Kathmandu on September 17, 2015, work on which began in 2008.