By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel
Just a few days ago, we observed democracy day in Nepal amidst a big fanfare. Several programs were organized across the country to mark the occasion. The political leaders delivered the speech saying that it is a day which marked the beginning of a new beginning. But sadly, our present leaders have failed to understand the contribution and sacrifice of our martyrs who laid down their lives to give us what we call democracy.
Nepal ushered into the democratic regime with the formation of a government comprising representatives of the Nepali Congress and the Ranas following the proclamation of King Tribhuvan in favor of democracy. The people had waged struggle and sacrificed their lives against the 104-year-old Rana oligarchy which was later compelled to declare democracy in the country bowing down to the historic people’s movement.
The armed struggle had established democracy in the country on 7 Falgun 2007 BS. In commemoration of the historical day, the government has been observing Democracy Day. But above seven decades of our experience with democracy clearly illustrates that democracy is not for the people, not by the people and not of the people.
Democracy literally means rule by the people. Periodic, free and fair elections to choose representatives, protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, rule of law and procedures which equally apply to all citizens, freedom of press and expression and freedom to join and form parties are the essence of democracy. They are the building block upon which democracy flourishes. Shockingly, these universally guaranteed essences are challenged by our present-day leaders.
Political parties are the key actors in democracy. They are responsible for bringing democracy to the people. Their role to nurture and strengthen democracy is second to none. In a vibrant democracy, people do not worry when they have their elected representatives to speak on their behalf. To the most chagrin, our leaders are guided by the vested interest and failed to rise above the partisan interest laying the ground for disenchantment among the people.
As a thinking being, people have to right to disagree and disapprove the flawed policies and plans, and support in implementation if there are any good plans. They also warn the government if it breaches the public commitment. At the same time, they appreciate the government if it delivers on its promise. This makes democracy stronger.
On the contrary, the opponents of government and politicians are viewed as their greatest enemies. They are also considered traitors and politicians hatch a conspiracy to put them behind the bars. As things stand now, the people are gradually losing faith in our politicians which does not bode well for nascent democracy like ours. With politicians guided by autocratic tendencies, democracy in our context is really in danger
Even though democracy is inevitable in today’s world, Nepal’s fledgling democracy has repeatedly been threatened and it is still in peril. The elected representatives have transformed into an authoritarian backed by a two-thirds majority. They push through the legislation to ensure they remain in power indefinitely.
Ever since we restored democracy, we have seen at least 29 governments formed by leftists and rightists. People are worried thinking that our democracy may not reach its intended destination as a result of the improper and impractical actions of our politicians. They also fear that politicians could surrender the hardly earned democracy to repressive forces. Given the double-standard behavior of our present leaders, the projection of the people cannot be ruled out altogether.
It needs to be mentioned here that despite the shifts in the political system, the people are yet to experience the wind of change. They are still deprived of their access to quality health care, quality education and effective service delivery. The rampant corruption, poor governance and culture of impunity have raised serious questions about the political system and the leadership. Only a handful of elites having a connection with political heavyweights have been enjoying the rights and entitlements while the majority of the people are still underprivileged.
The success of democracy depends on the political actors. They are the determinant factors to nurturing and flourishing democracy. But our political actors least bothered to strengthen and nurture the process they came through. Rather, they are engaged in activities that only put our democracy at stake.
It seems we are the most passive, submissive and compliant folk on the planet. We are not bothered to raise questions about the autocratic tendency of our politicians. Our leaders — irrespective of their political ideology — have been manipulating the laws and norms of democracy to remain in power. But sadly we do not have the guts and courage to fight to safeguard democracy.
Given the present context, we can conclude that we have lost the essence of democracy. We can also say that democracy has only benefited those having a political connection. The nation will never march towards social, economic and political prosperity if we do not institutionalize the norms and values of the democratic system. However, this is only possible when we make our leaders more responsible and accountable.
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