In Nepal, a national assembly vote is expected today that would abolish monarchal rule and declare a republic. Thousands of people have lined the streets of the capital Kathmandu ahead of the vote. Former Maoist rebels won national elections last year on a promise to abolish the monarchy. The elections came out of a 2006 peace deal that saw the Maoists end their uprising against King Gyanendra. Gyanendra had been forced to give up his absolute powers following a groundswell of protest.