By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel
On May 28, 2008, Nepal officially abolished monarchy, marking a shift in its political landscape. The end of the Shah Reign is celebrated as Republic Day or Ganatantra Diwas, signifying the beginning of a new era of democratic governance. The following day, May 29, was declared a republic day to commemorate the birth of the federal democracy of Nepal, enabling citizens to script their own future. But what is very disheartening is the fact that the promises of the republic remain unfulfilled.
Between 1996 and 2006, Nepal experienced bloody armed hostility. The Maoists fought against the state, aiming to abolish and restore a republic. They believed that monarchy represented poverty, injustices and an outdated system. What began as a small clash escalated into a decade-long armed conflict resulting in many casualties, widespread displacement of people and significant destruction across the country.
After years of infighting, the two sides agreed to reach a peace agreement allowing the country to transition to a federal republic. With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, the conflict finally came to an end. This was a historic moment, and everyone welcomed the move of the warring parties to silence their guns. The end of the conflict ignited hope among the people, believing that they would establish a governance system that will reflect the aspirations and will of the people. But this was too much to ask for, as we have abolished the Shah regime, but present leaders appeared as the new monarchs.
Right from day one after the nation was declared a republic, the politics of Bhagbhanda continued to thrive. The political parties of divergent ideologies are scrambling for their share of the pie. In the veil of politics, they have looted the country. When anyone opposes their ulterior move, they are either silenced or booked over the charge of treason. Not long ago, the song “Lootna Samma Loot” by Pashupati Adikhari was banned. The reason was not big. The song underscored the engagement of politicians in high-voltage scams and corruption and yet got off scot-free.
After the country was declared a republic, political instability became a common phenomenon contrary to the spirit of the people’s movement. Since 2008, we have seen a frequent change of guard over power sharing, and surprisingly, none of them completed their tenure, leading to political instability. The politicians dissolve the parliament even under the slightest pretext as if it is their inherent property. A glaring example is the dissolution of the parliament in December 2020 by the then government led by KP Oli.
Every citizen has been perturbed by the growing political bickering compelling them to think of political alternatives. They do not see any ray of hope as the parties are busy beating their own trumpet, sidelining their commitment to democratic governance. Corruption as a result of poor governance is increasing, service delivery is ineffective, and nepotism and favouritism are still prioritised, bypassing meritocracy. What is the use of establishing a republic if a handful of elites enjoy the rights and entitlements while the majority of people are still underprivileged?
The recent episode of massive protests staged by pro-monarchs is the result of the declining trust of people in the present governance system. The pro-monarch groups have been telling the people that political parties and their leaders have betrayed the people, compelling them to look for an alternative. Unfortunately, this story is selling well. If political parties and their leaders do not mend their ways, the hard-won achievements will be under great threat.
A cursory look at the political landscape clearly indicates that political parties – be it the Nepali Congress, the Maoist Centre or CPN (UML) – lack vision and are bereft of an agenda. They are more focused on consolidating their powers rather than reaching out to the people, and asking them about their day-to-day problems. While our politicians are engaged in a blame game for their failure, the former monarch is seen visiting local areas and talking to people, telling them that it is time for yet another revolution – dismantling the republican set-up.
The Republic Day symbolises Nepal’s commitment to democratic ideals, human rights, equality and justice. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly to establish a governance system that reflects the will of the people. Beyond the celebration, Republic Day offers an opportunity for Nepalese to reflect on the challenges ahead, acknowledge the achievements, recognise the gaps and subsequently renew their commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and vibrant nation. It symbolises the resilience and determination of the Nepalese, who have overcome obstacles to shape their destiny and chart a new course for their beloved country.
But this achievement after a tireless sacrifice of people has been under constant threat. The guardians of democracy are self-centred, myopic, ruthless, unaccountable, arrogant and intransparent. They do not demonstrate the maximum flexibility and understanding for the greater sake of the nation. This has led to a situation where the resentment among the people is at an all-time high. Job opportunities were fewer, and this promoted the mass exodus of the people, mainly the youth, for foreign employment. The people’s trust in education and health services is dwindling. The economy is stagnant, though remittance has been keeping the economy afloat. Road accidents due to poor road conditions and lax monitoring have become a daily occurrence.
As things stand now, the republican status of the country is at high risk. The threat is not posed by the external actors. In fact, it is our political parties and their leaders whose inactions and internal wrangling over power-sharing have created a space for monarchists attempting to overcome the republican set-up.
On this day, let us renew our commitment to build an inclusive and prosperous nation. This will be a true tribute to our martyrs who laid down their lives to give us what we call a federal democratic Nepal.
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