DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Kathmandu Post

3 August 2018

DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The main opposition of the ruling Nepal Communist Party, Nepali Congress (NC), staged nationwide protests against the K.P.Oli government on Tuesday  accusing it of running the government in an authoritarian way (“NC stages nationwide protests” August 1, Page 3).  As NC claimed, the nationwide protests were not to replace the government but to warn it to correct its wrongdoings-from its attempt to muzzle the freedom of media, to not following the constitution and to not fulfilling the promises it made to its citizens.

Nepal has passed through much political turmoil following the restoration of democracy in 1990. None of the past governments were able to run the country for a full term due to inter and intra party political bickering. A decade long Maoist’s insurgency against the state was another impediment for the country to grow. As a result, the country and its people had to politically, socially and economically suffer. Nonetheless, the country has now entered into federal structure following the promulgation of a new constitution and completion of three tiers of elections. The federal government and six provincial governments are now in the hands of leftist party formed after the merger of the UML and CPN-MC. PM Oli enjoys a two thirds majority in Parliament. He also boasts to be the champion of people’s democracy and promises to meet the aspiration of the common people with his popular slogan “Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali”. However, despite tall promises the performance of his government in the last five months is now in question: facing widespread criticism and condemning for some of its recent undemocratic acts.

It seemed that the NC was successful in holding mass protests across the nation to deliver this very message to the government that NC is doing its opposition’s democratic responsibilities. And as responsible citizens, we must hold anyone accountable should their actions be against the interest of the people-be it the ruling party or the opposition.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-08-03/democratic-responsibilities.html