People are worried that Nepali democracy may not reach its intended destination because of the improper and impractical actions of the politicians
KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 15
Falgun 7, the day that democracy was established in Nepal, ending the autocratic Rana regime 72 years ago, is commemorated as National Democracy Day. However, Nepal's democracy was short-lived.
King Mahendra deposed Nepal's first democratically-elected government in 1960, banned the political parties and established direct monarchical rule under the partyless Panchayat system for the next 30 years. By overthrowing the Panchayat in 1990, democracy was reinstated, a multiparty democracy with constitutional monarchy was adopted, and a new constitution was drafted.
There were three major movements: the 1951 revolution, the People's Movement in 1990, and the Democracy Movement in 2006, all of which ultimately led to the transition of Nepal's political system to a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system in 2015.
Democracy literally means rule by the people.
Periodic, free and fair elections to choose representatives; protection of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens; rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens; freedom of expression and of the press; and freedom to form and join political parties of one's choice are the essential elements of representative democracy.
However, it is not sufficient to evaluate the course's completion solely in terms of its principles and components' partial achievements.
Democracy ought to be able to connect with the general public and society, and fulfill the aspirations of the people.
In a representative democracy, people elect their representatives to act in their interests, make rules and ensure their implementation.
There was a huge expectation from the representatives that they would establish a people's democracy that would be the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Political parties are essential elements of representative democracy and play a significant role in its growth and consolidation.
However, factionalism, split, leader-for-life, nepotism, favouritism, social and gender bias characterise the political culture of the parties. They have been acting selfishly rather than in the best interest of the nation. Power grabbing has replaced nation-building as the parties' primary duty.
It is the responsibility of politicians to bring democracy to the people. Unfortunately, after democracy was restored and parties gained control, all unwanted practices emerged.
Despite frequent shifts in the political system, neither the general population's situation nor the country's progress towards prosperity and development has improved. People are still deprived of access to quality health care, quality education or adequate service delivery. The nation's declining economic growth, growing rates of poverty and unemployment, and the government's lack of concern for these issues have raised serious concerns about the political system and the leadership. There is a need for a strong, reliable and effective political structure, which is yet to be established.
The issue of leadership credibility in Nepal has been further exacerbated by the first generation leader's attitude of disrespect for and trust in the upcoming youth leadership as well as the absence of inner party democracy. Numerous issues have also arisen as a result of interparty and intra party conflicts, unhealthy competition among them, and the destructive nature of oppositional politics. The political leaders have failed to oppose the foreign dominance in Nepal because of personal factors, such as selfishness, greed and vested interests. They can compromise on their political ideology, become immoral, forget their democratic values, norms and culture, and form any kind of alliance to be in power.
Despite the fact that democracy is inevitable in today's world, Nepal's fledgling democracy has repeatedly been threatened and is still in danger. The prolonged political instability and repeated attacks have made it fragile and put it under stress. Democracy appears to face the same difficulties as it does now for a few decades more in our context. In addition, there have been at least 29 government changes since democracy was reinstated in 1990, with 54 occurring since the beginning of democracy in 1951. People are worried that Nepali democracy may not reach its intended destination because of the improper and impractical actions of the politicians. The political leadership has failed to minimise the shortcomings of representative democracy.
They have lost the ability to make their own decisions, leaving this authority in the hands of regional and global powers.
There is complete failure to foster political stability, institutionalise democracy, and respect the voices of weak, marginalised, minority and voiceless groups in spite of their pretentious slogans of inclusive and participatory democracy.
Democracy has been further weakened by the politicisation of state sectors increasing alienation and frustration of the people towards politics.
Parliamentary democracy is governed by both the ruling and opposition parties.
The role of the opposition party is as critical as the ruling one. It ensures that the government is always held accountable for its actions and policies. It also provides the public with alternative viewpoints and policies and ensures that the government is working in the public's best interests. The success of democracy depends to a great extent on the constructive role of the opposition parties. Since all the parties are power-oriented and oppositional politics is neglected in Nepal, it's high time to have a strong opposition that can act as a watchdog over the government and ensure the implementation of right and appropriate policies. A flourishing and functioning democracy is still possible, just that the political parties and their leaders need to be made more responsible and accountable.
Mandal was a C A member
