For the overall development of Nepal, we should create our own political system, which can address our problems. A system that can understand the structure, nature of society and psychology of the people. Otherwise, the ongoing political system will bring total collapse of all state mechanisms sooner than later
Democracy and election are two sides of the same coin. In general, an election is regarded as the backbone of democracy.
Without an election, a democratic society can't practise democracy. American President Abraham Lincoln had said, democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Indeed, freedom and democracy are the main mechanism to select the people's leaders or representatives through a voting process.
In Nepal's context, however, the election scenario is a bit different. Nepalis hold a different perspective regarding elections. Usually, the election period looks like a fair in Nepal. Candidates organise big parties for the voters. On the basis of such lavish gatherings and vested interest of a few, the public unanimously votes for that candidate, instead of trying to understand his character, background, future plan and policy for the society's development.
Due to this greed and irrationality of the people time and again, voters have failed to select a wise leader for national development.
So, how can an individual develop the society by spending millions on an election? If he wins, he has a different plan, that is, to recoup the money spent during the election than on infrastructure development.
So how can people hope to see development and good governance by electing such representatives? However, we can't accuse the political leaders only. We the public are equally responsible for the ongoing situation in the country.
The way Nepalis select their leaders is also bizarre.
We don't see the good character, rather we look for a candidate's social standing in terms of property and prosperity. We judge the book by its cover. According to a survey conducted by Power Group, a research team led by young online bloggers, most Nepalis simply love momos for food and politics as the main topic for discussion.
We like to run after politicians.
That's why the rallies organised by the political parties are always packed.
It shows Nepalis don't believe in action. We remember the leaders not for the work they do but for their oratory skills.
Often in Nepali society, political gossip helps spend time. Commoners talk about the quality of speech given by the leaders. There is no age bar in such political gossips, which take place at the local tea stalls or offices, where local political analysts analyse the current situation of the nation from various perspectives.
Mainly they accuse their opponents, their activities and political principles while blindly supporting their political party.
In Nepal, though the political parties have different political beliefs and principles, all leaders and their cadres unanimously respect the election system. It seems they have a common goal in adopting the electoral method. The Nepali election system totally follows the democratic principle. Whether under a direct election system or proportional representation, majority wins on the basis of votes they get in the ballot box.
In fact, a free election is the sole principle of democracy whereas communist states have nothing to do with such elections. But Nepal's communists, who always criticise the democrats and democratic elections, are vigorously participating in them. They have even formed a majority government. Sadly the communist parties have failed to win the trust of the public.
Seeing the activities of the political leaders, some people are raising voices against the political system of Nepal. These people blame the current political system for the collapse of the state mechanism. From top level scholars to laymen, they hold the system responsible for all the ruin taking place around the nation.
Indeed, the current situation of the nation looks exactly the way they have portrayed. This system has ruined the very structure of the nation.
If people minutely study the political system of Nepal, it is better than the autocratic regime. People are free to choose their representatives for governing them as well as the nation.
The constitution of Nepal has also made provision for holding the election every five years. During this given tenure, elected representatives are supposed to develop the nation. But the culture and practice of the leaders and the people are not compatible with the demands of the system.
By nature, a democratic system is free to choose loyal leaders through free competition. But sadly, time and again, majority of our elected representatives are busy in fulfilling the interest of their own family, friends and cadres.
After the election and tenure of the people's representatives, one can see huge transformation in a leader's lifestyle. Therefore, the activities of our leaders and the people prove that the beauty of democracy is not suitable for a nation like ours.
So for the overall development and good governance in Nepal, it should develop a strict, proportional representative, consensus-based and progressive system at minimum cost that can uplift the nation's status. Moreover, the political system of the nation should fit the society. It should study the character and nature of both the public and leaders.
In Nepal, we have adopted the Westminster style to govern the state. The European nations are doing great with this political system.
It is because their democracy has matured over time and suits their lifestyle and culture. But for us, it has become uncontrollable and unmanageable.
Our leaders and people don't understand the meaning and principles of democracy. For us democracy is a system of buying and selling votes.
Due to this reason, the ongoing political system can't lift the country out of the current morass of underdevelopment.
Therefore, for the overall development of Nepal, we should create our own political system, which can address our problems. A system that can understand the structure, nature of society and psychology of the people. Otherwise, the ongoing political system will bring total collapse of all state mechanisms sooner than later.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 15, 2022, of The Himalayan Times