Kathmandu, May 30: The Constituent Assembly had declared Nepal a federal democratic republic on May 28, 2008, thereby formally abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy.
It was a historic moment, making Nepalis sovereign and ultimate source of power. The announcement of the system was further bolstered with the new constitution of 2015 and the three tiers of government in place subsequently. Two rounds of election have been held in these governments since the promulgation of constitution in 2015.
It is indeed a radical change that the country has got President as the Head of the State. The President is not a descendent of ruling dynasty but a son of a common Nepali elected through the parliament. Similarly, the constitution is a solid basis, forwarding the federal structure where people’s concerns are paid heed by the government at their doorsteps along with their participation in the development activities.
As in the past, the Republic Day is observed with fanfare across the country. It is being observed in the Nepali missions aboard. The historic movement is celebrated for it empowered Nepalis. Mostly importantly, the progressive constitution we ever have made the citizens the source of State authority.
At a time when Nepal celebrates the Republic Day, the promises made for the development, good governance and prosperity cannot be forgotten at all. In addition to the jubilation over the system that made Nepalis supreme, it is also a time to reflect the past, correct mistakes and make headway accordingly.
Good governance for development
At present, Nepal has no option but cement the system and spur economic activities by ensuring clean politics. Since the country was announced the Republic with the formal abolishment of 240-year-old monarchy, various slogans have surfaced, ranging from ‘New Nepal’ to present ‘Prosperous Nepal: Happy Nepali’. Over this time, not only the Nepali Congress and the CPN UML, but also the political force come in the background of armed revolution – CPN (Maoist Centre) – have led the governments. The so called new forces also got the opportunity to get ministerial posts. However, the new political forces swaying the public largely through digital publicity and critical reaction to old parties were enfeebled in a short time over their leadership crisis.
Irrespective of the efforts made so far by the political parties, there are still the complaints, corruption and bad governance, taking toll on the system and disenchanting people. This is a serious issue our political parties need to pay heed.
Another permanent government or the bureaucracy which was flogged by politicos for being static even after the change in system has not been able fully ensure smooth public service. Worryingly, the government offices are still full of administrative hassles, which was reminded vividly even by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently. He shared various incidents reflecting hassles at essential services. The Head of the Government underlined the urgency of correcting administrative malaise.
One after another, political leaders falling from grace in collusion with bureaucracy is a blight to Nepal’s journey to good governance and development. It needs ceasing.
Although politics and bureaucracy are not sole protectors and promoter of system, their role and responsibility counts much for they have more rights and authority to handle the state affairs. Clean collaboration among the politicos, lawmakers and bureaucrats are therefore often underlined to enhance the democratic values and cement system where citizens are in centre.
Foil anarchy
The republic system gained with much struggles, hardship and people’s sacrifice, warrants adequate attention from other sectors as well that makes effective the three-tiers of government, keeping them accountable to public. As the major actors, the leaders must realize the fact that inaction and ignorance to bolster republic system may result into further dismay in public, thereby creating space for unruly elements. The fresh March 28 anarchy orchestrated by the supporters of former king is a stark reminder. It took a heavy toll –even an on-duty journalist was charred to death in the fire the protestors set in a building during demonstration, and physical property vandalized and damaged in the federal capital, Kathmandu, itself. The scourge within the federal capital must serve as a wake-up call for all the republican forces- mostly the political parties including the CPN UML, Nepali Congress, Maoist Centre, CPN (Unified Socialist) and Madhes-centric ones to stay aware of those acting to fuel instability.
Boarder consensus, public trust
Consensus and unity among the political parties that organized people for the establishment of republic through various struggles and movements over decades is prerequisite. The major duty at present before politics and any public institution is to garner and retain public trust. Once the public trust in politics, government institutions, media, academia, CSO is kept intact, the machinations to enfeeble the system automatically lose vigor. It is one of the keys for them to keep anti-republic elements at bay.
At the same time, limiting national affairs to political supremacy is detrimental to democratic republic, because citizens are the ultimate source of power, while political leaders are their representatives. So, keeping in centre citizen’s need and aspiration- good governance and development- will help correct political deviation.
Future works
In addition to the day-to-day administration and urgency of governance reform, our leaderships need to show capacity to navigate the pressing issues Nepal is facing- digital and AI disruption and climate crisis- to advance the development and economic activities wisely. However, the efforts of a single party or section are not enough to face these global issues which are impacting Nepal disproportionately. Nepal is in the front row of the impact of climate crises with inadequate resources to minimize the risks, while sufficient capacity building is equally essential to negotiate digital spheres and AI disruption so that Nepal can leverage the tech fronts for broader welfare.
Similarly, the achievement of SDGs and LDC graduation are other significant areas warranting special focus. Setting slogans of sweeping change and ambition on the one hand and forcing citizens to pride on incremental change is not enough to share on republic achievement. Formation of capital, employment generation, and enhancement of quality education at school and colleges, and bridging divides in multiple fronts is essential.
The democracy that focuses on citizen’s welfare and development with the creation of just society helps strengthen republic. Earning public trust and shunning factionalism by political parties and building image by public institution and self-correcting mechanisms are also vital to protect and promote the Federal Democratic Republic.
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