KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 19
The 76th National Democracy Day is being observed across the country today with various programmes and formal ceremonies organised nationwide to commemorate the historic restoration of democracy.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Sushila Karki extended greetings to all Nepali sisters and brothers, urging collective commitment to democratic stability and nation-building.
In a message shared through social media, the Prime Minister recalled that the first parliamentary election in 2015 BS began on this day following the 2007 BS revolution, which transformed people from subjects into sovereign citizens. Referring to the occasion as Election Day, she acknowledged past leadership shortcomings in institutionalising democratic values.
"We failed at the leadership level to make democracy a way of life. We had to wage protest repeatedly. Now we must end that. Let us resolve against corruption, nepotism and discrimination, and address it through institutional reforms," she stated.
She called for unity to ensure democratic consolidation and to build a prosperous Nepal through free and fair elections. The Prime Minister also paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy and good governance.
President Ram Chandra Paudel, in his message on the occasion of National Democracy Day 2082, expressed the hope that the day would contribute to achieving the national goals of sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity.
He underscored that the 2007 BS revolution laid a crucial foundation for the establishment of the federal democratic republic and the promulgation of the people-authored Constitution. "Democracy Day perpetuates the importance of civil rights and always reminds us of the immortal story of the martyrs," the President said.
Paying tribute to known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives in various democratic movements, President Paudel also expressed respect and admiration for leaders who spearheaded those struggles. He appealed to citizens to contribute to the success of the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, describing credible elections as essential to strengthening constitutionalism, democracy and good governance.
Similarly, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav said Democracy Day inspires citizens to move forward unitedly towards ending poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and discrimination while safeguarding federalism, inclusiveness, proportional representation and the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution.
He stressed that all stakeholders must fulfil their responsibilities with integrity to protect civil rights, ensure equal opportunities, build a socially just and egalitarian society, and further strengthen the federal democratic republic.
Democracy Day is observed every year on Falgun 7 in the lunar calendar to commemorate the historic 2007 BS revolution that ended the 104-year autocratic Rana regime and restored civil liberties and political rights.
Marking the occasion, the Nepal Army conducted a special parade and showered flowers from a helicopter. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Scouts and various clubs, schools and institutions also participated in march-pasts and cultural displays.
The day serves as a reminder of the advent of democracy in Nepal and the beginning of a new era of political awareness and development since February 19, 1951.
(With inputs from RSS)
