Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed his wish that Democracy Day may help achieve national goals of sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity in the country.
Delivering a message on the occasion of National Democracy Day on Thursday, President Paudel has said that Nepalese people should never forget 1950 revolution as it was an important foundation for the establishment of the federal democratic republic. Democracy was established in Nepal through 1950 revolution that ended 104 year old hereditary rule by Rana Prime Ministers reducing the King to a titular head.
“Democracy Day perpetuates the importance of civil rights and also always reminds us of the immortal story of the martyrs,” pointed out the president.
“No nation can progress by undermining the youths,” remarked Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressing a function in Kathmandu on the national democracy day. “THe youths have energy, aspiration for change and moral anger,” she said adding democracy is not only a process, but a result-oriented system.”
Speaking on the 76th Democracy Day celebrations at the Nepali Army Pavilion in Kathmandu, she said democracy must deliver results, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure accountability.
“We embraced democracy in principle, yet in practice, we continued to foster discrimination. We wrote equality in the constitution; yet within our structures, we went on protecting inequality,” said the Prime Minister adding that monopoly over power and resources has eroded public trust, fueling rebellion.
Referring to the Gen Z-led protests of September last year, Karki said, “That movement sought an end to corruption, nepotism and discrimination. It sought good governance and equitable justice. The state must respond to this not only with generosity, but also with humility and a deep sense of duty.”
She warned that failing to address youth discontent could trigger another rebellion.
Meanwhile, ex-King Gyanendra has that if we go for election without addressing the national crisis, it could invite more conflict, without specifically mentioning what he meant by national crisis. The entire country has plunged into an unnatural crisis and the people are experiencing threat to the sovereignty of the country,” claimed the former monarch in a video message broadcast on the national democracy day.
Gyanendra was indirectly hinting towards restoration of monarchy ahead of the March 5 general election which is evident from the voices raised by different pro-monarchist groups for restoring monarchy before the election during different programmes. Medical professional and pro-king activist was arrested by the police on February 16, as he was demanding restoration of monarchy before the general election and even threatened to launch protest to press for his demand.
We have to evaluate what we have gained from past movements and changes, ex-king Gyanendra said.
