Is it right or wrong?

The Himalayan Times

30 January 2020

Is it right or wrong?

Nepal has been practicing multi-party parliamentary democracy for the last three decades. A multi-party system is a political system in which multiple political parties across the political spectrum run for local, provincial and national elections, and all may have the opportunity to run the government, separately or in coalition. Political parties field their candidates for the elections. People elect their representatives through ballots who would then enter the parliament, which is the supreme legislative body, as a lawmaker responsible for multiple functions such as enacting and debating proposed new legislation, scrutinizing the actions of the government and attending parliamentary party meetings.

There has been a growing interest more than ever before in issues related to democracy and good governance around the world. This may be a reflection of the increasing acceptance of the fact that democracy and good governance are not a luxury, but a fundamental requirement to achieve sustainable development and provide people of all walks of life equal dividends of development. Parliament, as one of the key state institution in a democratic system of governance, has a critical role to play in promoting democracy and good governance. 

Having said all these, the recent nomination and unopposed election of new speaker to the HoR remained to be questionable in terms of his tainted political history during the decade long armed conflict. He has been also widely criticized by the human rights activists and international organizations as an alleged murderer “Sapkota’s challenges” (THT, January 26, Page 6). I have nothing to say about the decision of the ruling party to field Sapkota as the  only potential candidate for the post. However, as a voter I have to say that the ruling party has made a blunder to further its blurred image among the people. 

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj.