TIMELINE: Main events in Nepal's Maoist war and march to peace

(Reuters) - Nepal's Maoist former rebels have widened the lead in last week's crucial elections meant to map the country's political future, a key step in the landmark peace deal that ended a bloody conflict.

The following is a chronology of how the Maoist war began and the journey so far:

1994 - The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) is founded by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known by his nom de guerre, Prachanda.

Feb 1996 - Maoists, who oppose the Himalayan country's constitutional monarchy, launch a "people's war" to establish a single-party communist republic.

1996-2000 - The Maoist launch a low-intensity insurgency and target ill-trained and poorly armed police.

2001-2005 - The Maoists attack army barracks and steal modern weapons, and drag the army into conflict that turns into a full-scale guerrilla war. They begin attacks on district capitals, army posts and intensify transport strikes, choking Kathmandu of essential goods such as fuel.

Feb 2005 - King Gyanendra takes absolute power, vowing to crush the Maoists.

Sept 2005 - Maoist rebels announce a unilateral ceasefire but royalist government rejects it.

Nov 2005 - Maoists join a loose alliance with the seven main political parties to end royal rule.