Background:
In Nepal, the Maoists were a communist political party that had been involved in an armed insurgency against the government since the mid-1990s. However, in 2005, the Maoists began engaging in a peace process with other political parties in Nepal. This eventually led to the signing of the 12-point agreement, which was a significant step towards ending the armed conflict and establishing a more inclusive political system in Nepal.

The 12-Point Agreement:
The 12-point agreement was signed between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) on November 22, 2005. The SPA was an alliance of several major political parties in Nepal, including the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). The agreement aimed to address the grievances of the Maoists and bring them into mainstream politics.

Key Points of the Agreement:
1. Ceasefire: The Maoists agreed to observe a ceasefire and suspend their armed insurgency.
2. Constituent Assembly: The agreement called for the establishment of a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution for Nepal.
3. Inclusive Democracy: The parties agreed to work towards establishing a more inclusive democracy that would address the concerns of marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities and women.
4. Human Rights: The agreement stressed the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring accountability for past human rights violations.
5. Dissolution of the House of Representatives: The Maoists demanded the dissolution of the existing House of Representatives, which was seen as a symbol of the old political order.
6. Dialogue and Negotiation: The agreement emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiation as a means to resolve political differences and bring about lasting peace.

Significance of the Agreement:
The signing of the 12-point agreement was a major turning point in the peace process in Nepal. It marked the Maoists' formal entry into the political mainstream and laid the groundwork for their participation in the upcoming elections. The agreement also garnered international attention and support, with several countries and organizations expressing their commitment to assisting Nepal in its transition towards peace and democracy.

Date of the Agreement:
The Maoists joined other political parties in Nepal to sign the 12-point agreement on November 22, 2005.