By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel
After a few days, the nation will be observing democracy day amidst big fanfare across the day. Our politicians, paying tribute to those who laid their lives to give us what we call democracy, will make lofty promises and airy talks. Sadly, the true essence of democracy has vanished into thin air as politicians and leaders have transformed into autocrats, negating the democratic norms and values of democracy.
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. On 18 February 1951, Nepal ushered into the democratic regime with the formation of a government comprising representatives of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Ranas following the proclamation of King Tribhuvan in favor of democracy. The day marked the dawn of a new era of prosperity. Our experience with democracy for more than seven decades clearly indicates that we have miserably failed to inculcate the true essence of democracy.
Democracy, according to Abraham Lincoln, is a system of government that is run by and for the people. Democracy is a system of government in which citizens elect their leaders and participate in the governance of their nation. It is founded on the ideas of freedom, equality, and representation. Sadly, this very foundation of democracy is limited within the paper, as freedom, equality, and representation still remain buzzwords in our country.
When the Panchyat system was toppled in 1990 or democracy was reinstated through what is now known as the People’s Movement I, most people had high hopes that their days would turn bright. This reminds us of one old axiom, “out of frying pan into the fire”. This time tested adage seems very relevant in our context as we bid adieu to a century old monarchy to witness yet another sort of autocracy in which elected leaders have an egoistic, bullying attitude with a self-centered character.
We believed that the end of the monarchy would mark the dawn of prosperity. We also hoped that democratic leaders would end the misrule and poor governance and kick off development, ensuring lasting peace. Contrary to our expectations, we have democratically elected leaders who are no different than former kings. They think of themselves in terms of new kings and do not care about the day-to-day problems of the people. Their egoistic, bullying attitude and self-centric character have forced people to look for alternatives, and who knows, it could be a revival of monarchy.
Democracy has been badly assaulted by our politicians. The democratic institutions are constantly under threat as politicians have been attempting to sabotage the democratic norms, values, and ethos, they nurtured and came through. In any vibrant democratic society, the people have the supreme power to decide the fate of politicians through periodic elections. But the situation is just the opposite here. The leaders, after being elected, do not even hesitate to meet and thank them, let alone their commitment to address their plight and grievances.
Cutting a joke at the democracy in Nepal, a very close friend of this pen pusher on social media shared his views, saying that democracy in Nepal is for the politicians, by the politicians, and of the politicians. This clearly illustrates that democracy in our country is not in good shape or form. It is for this reason, the voice for the revival of monarchy has gained in recent times.
Analysts say the major impediment to democratic process in the country is a lack of political culture among leaders and their failure to put people first. According to them, the political parties have always been driven by self centered approach which does not work well in democracy. They need to realize that democracy is a system of government in which vested power lies on people. Any attempt to undermine this vested power on people not only result to unseat them but also invite political disaster as repressive forces will get an ample opportunity to with the sentiments of the people.
The other reason why our democracy has been facing one blow after another is that we failed to institutionalize the achievements of our past democratic struggle. In addition, we also miserably failed to strengthen and build the system and institutions friendly to the people. We consider democracy in a formal context because we are holding elections regularly, we have free press, or there is human rights. But that is not enough. A democracy should be able to establish a link with the general public and society. In a plain words, we failed to inject democratic values and ethos in society.
Earlier political parties had conflicts with the monarchy. Now we are fighting against totalitarian tendencies. Political parties have deviated from their primary duty of nation-building to power-grabbing. In earlier days, it was the palace which had an insatiable desire for power, these days political parties have inherited that tendency. This would not be an exaggeration to conclude that we have democratically elected leaders who pass through the legislation to remain in power by decree.
Today democracy is under threat from the same actors who once championed for the cause. To conclude, Nepali politicians seems to have forgotten the age-old maxim of the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Let’s stand together and make collective voice to safeguard our hard won democracy. If we failed to act now, our generation will again have to fight for democracy.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect People’s Review’s editorial stance.
Login to add a comment