Dignity and duty

The elected parliament is a holy House of people for those who believe in values of democracy and electoral process. It expects from representatives, political parties, government and all stakeholders due respect for its dignity and fair performance of duty towards it. As Nepal’s new parliament begins functioning, it would just be better for all concerned to be conscious of the point and direct their activities accordingly in the five years to come. Although the country has known the parliament and elections for a long time, it could not witness honour for dignity and duty from those in it and outside. As a result the parliament turned out to be the target of attack for those in power and others seeking the same from time to time. The immediate past parliament had to face the same situation as the government with nearly two third majority could not demonstrate appreciation for dignity of parliament and duty towards it. As the new House opens business all concerned should make sure that the blunders committed for one reason or the other in the past should not be allowed to be repeated, they should create a situation in which the House works for the country and the people: let the House do its business as per people’s mandate for full term; clear the path for it to scrutinize government, and formulate the laws for the country in accordance with the need of time and society; not permit political leaders to use it as their playground for satisfying ego and preserving power and resources for them as per their wish. Representatives should also ensure that the Parliament becomes a place where solution to problems facing people and nation could be found; it should be the forum where open critical dialogue is possible, where the cause of the minorities and marginalized could be well protected, where press is allowed freedom it needs, where other constitutional bodies and civil society is honoured and duly heard. The list of expectations could be very tall but it is not something that could not be fulfilled by the newly elected representatives. Of course, for fulfilling it, they need to have a will and sense of service to people and be free from personal greed or lust for power or thought of utilizing the public resources for their individual gains or success. The cumulative result of the same would be: restoration of people’s trust in politics, hope for future, release of dynamic forces for developing the economy of the country, provision for enough energy for changing Nepali society in all 77 districts. Past mandates expressed by people were disrespected resulting in continuing poverty, underdevelopment and backwardness of the country for a long time. This parliament could make a difference in it during this House-period. That is the current observation of free press of Nepal. From day one of the House the media would begin its scrutinizing of representatives, parties and government. Its natural function would, hopefully, be duly respected by the parliamentarians – new and seasoned.