The Maoists launched an insurgency to abolish the monarchy in 1996 and the ten-year conflict claimed more than 13,000 lives . Prasad , Communist Party of Nepal chairman , won 464 out of 577 seats . A simple majority was enough to be elected the prime minister . Assembly declared Nepal a republic in May and unanimously elected first president . The office of president is largely ceremonial . PM has executive powers .
Prasad , Communist Party of Nepal chairman , won 464 out of 577 seats . A simple majority was enough to be elected the prime minister . Assembly declared Nepal a republic in May and unanimously elected first president . The office of president is largely ceremonial . PM has executive powers .