Nepal's parliament has voted to abolish the country's centuries-old monarchy and change to a republic.

Friday's vote was part of negotiations between former Maoist rebels and six other political parties. The Maoists bolted from the interim government in September after demanding election reform and an immediate end to the monarchy.

The final vote was 270 - 3.

King Gyanendra receives a traditional 'tika' from a wellwisher on his 60th birthday, 7 July 2007

King Gyanendra will still remain on the throne until parliamentary elections are held in April.

Under the plan, voters will elect 240 assembly members by direct vote, and 335 other candidates based on proportional representation.

The vote brings to an end a decade-long effort by the Maoists to replace the monarchy. The rebels which fought a bloody civil war that left some 13,000 Nepalese dead.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.