Nepal the world's newest republic
Updated
![Thousands gathered outside Kathmandu's International Convention Centre to wait for the vote's outcome. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/nepal_republic_afp_280508.jpg "Thousands gathered outside Kathmandu's International Convention Centre to wait for the vote's outcome. [AFP]")
Thousands gathered outside Kathmandu's International Convention Centre to wait for the vote's outcome. [AFP]
A constitutional assembly in Nepal has voted overwhelmingly in favour of abolishing the nation's monarchy making it the world's newest republic.
The historic vote finalises a peace deal between Maoist rebels and mainstream parties.
The assembly has ordered King Gyanendra to step down and for his palace to be turned into a museum.
King Gyanendra ascended to the throne after his brother, King Birendra, was killed in a palace massacre in 2001.
He is to be given 15 days to vacate the palace.
The United Nations chief, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated the people of Nepal on the declaration of a republic.
Mr Ban says the Nepalese "have clearly spoken for peace and change" through their April elections in which the Maoists won the largest single bloc of seats in the assembly.
