For democracy and stability

Nepalis have sought for long values such as democracy,  peace, inclusive culture and democratic practices in governance, civic life and state institutions and non-state organizations. But they find them missing in practice. Despite their continued struggle for those values and despite some meaningful success on some occasions, they have not been able to consolidate democracy in the country on a sustainable basis. History demonstrates how their efforts for democracy resulted, at times, in a positive gain. All events marking the end of Ranacracy, non-party rule, decade-long armed movement, and Monarchy offered opportunities for consolidating democracy in the country. Multi-parties ranging from the left to right and their leaders could simply not preside over the change brought about by themselves particularly their struggle in different times. As a result even today after 71 years of tasting democracy and practicing federalism and republicanism for one complete five year parliamentary period, people are longing for the same; they fear that they might lose political stability and democracy. Because of leaders’ ego and personalized politics they are afraid they might not utilize the opportunity offered by people’s mandate 2022. Leading figures of politics have already begun manipulating politics for their personal gains. If they fail to manage properly the inconveniences caused by a hung parliament, the stability and democratic way of doing politics and governing will once again be nothing more than a day dream. But this time there is a ray of hope: Prime Minister Dahal, who leads the party which is in the third position in parliament has proposed national consensus on major issues and policies in the government. The single largest party in the parliament – Nepali Congress, although in opposition bench – has supported him. The second position party CPN UML is very much with the Head of Government in the ruling coalition. Small parties are also looking forward to working with the PM. Only one party and its single member in the parliament does not back the PM. The election for third president of Republic of Nepal is going to be held soon. How the parties, their parliamentarians, and provincial assembly members will behave in the real time voting will determine the future course of Nepali politics. If they use their wisdom, their positive learning from the past history of Nepali democratic struggle, the outcome will be helpful in assuring people about the sustainability of parliament and democratic practices. If they fail to do so further obstacles would disturb the democratic journey forward.