The evolution of democracy has been shaped by centuries of intellectual, technological, and social progress.
The Enlightenment championed rational thought and individual freedoms, while feminist and labor movements challenged entrenched societal hierarchies.
Technological breakthroughs, from the printing press to railroads, bridged distances, enhanced communication, and fostered collective action.
These forces collectively ushered in the modern era of liberal democracy, where governments are expected to prioritize peace, stability, and development while safeguarding the dignity and rights of every citizen.
Although medieval and Renaissance societies, along with ancient religious groups, practiced various forms of qualified democracy, each evolved uniquely.
The recent trajectory of democracy marks a profound departure from entrenched systems of orthodoxy, monarchy, and patriarchy, paving the way for liberal governance rooted in liberty, equality, representation, and justice.
This spread across the globe like a powerful wave—or, as some might say, a pandemic.
The pressing challenge now lies in nurturing and preserving democracy while pursuing a universal liberal ideal that unites all free citizens in democratic harmony.
Instead of leveraging Nepal’s natural resources and strategic location for development, successive governments have allowed greed and incompetence to dictate policy.
Throughout history, some regimes destroyed even the most basic natural rights of individuals, enforcing rule through cruel and oppressive dictatorships.
These systems often tried, albeit imperfectly, to mimic democratic principles while subverting their essence. In Nepal, however, the reality starkly contrasts with these global ideals.
In Nepal, the promise of democracy once inspired hope for a brighter future.
However, decades later, this promise remains largely unfulfilled, with the nation’s democratic experiment mired in systemic failures and betrayal by its political elite.
Despite transitioning to democracy, Nepal remains plagued by extractive institutions and corrupt leadership.
Government officials and political elites have prioritized personal gain over public welfare, turning democratic governance into a hollow shell.
Instead of fostering equality and fair representation, Nepal’s political system has perpetuated inequality, leaving the majority of its citizens in extreme poverty.
This betrayal of democratic ideals has not only stalled development but has also eroded public trust in governance.
Politicians are often seen as shrewd and manipulative, driven more by personal ambition than a genuine commitment to public service.
In Nepal, this perception is heightened under the Arzu-Oli kakistocratic rule, marked by personal agendas and vendettas, with little hope of breaking free from this cycle anytime soon.
Their governance has been marked by kleptocracy—a system where self-interest and corruption reign supreme.
The policies crafted by this government are not aimed at the collective good but at preserving the power and privilege of a select few.
The Arzu-Oli government, like many before it, seems to be a self-fulfilling prophecy—an exercise in narcissism—and has proven ineffective in addressing Nepal’s most urgent challenges: poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation.
Instead, it has deepened the nation’s woes, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and despair. When governance collapses, those meant to uphold the law often become its worst offenders.
In such turmoil, a leader inevitably emerges—an undeniable pattern observed throughout history.
Genuine political stability will remain out of reach as long as the country’s leadership is driven by corruption, dishonesty, and extremist ideologies.
The selfish and pleasure-seeking Arzu-Oli government, in particular, has exemplified the worst aspects of Nepal’s political dysfunction.
Their administration has been marked by authoritarian tendencies, a disregard for democratic norms, and a relentless pursuit of self-interest.
Opposition leaders have been subjected to targeted persecution, while the bureaucracy has been co-opted to serve the regime’s agenda.
This environment of fear and suppression has stifled dissent and eroded the foundations of democracy.
Not everyone may agree, perhaps due to the influence of propagandists, particularly a few usurpers growing wealthier by the day, who claim the current coalition is essential for political stability.
However, the fall of the Arzu-Oli regime is more than just a political necessity—it is a vital rescue mission to save a nation teetering on the edge of collapse.
This moment of crisis presents an opportunity for introspection and reform. Nepal must break free from the cycle of stagnation and despair by fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance.
This requires not only removing corrupt leaders from power but also building strong institutions that prioritize development and public welfare.
The consequences of this failure are far-reaching. Nepal’s institutions, rather than serving as engines of development, have become tools for exploitation.
Wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority struggle to meet basic needs.
Public services are underfunded and inefficient, leaving citizens without access to quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The lack of meaningful economic opportunities has forced many Nepalis to seek employment abroad, further depleting the nation’s human capital.
Genuine progress requires bold reforms, such as land redistribution and agricultural modernization, to create equitable growth and reduce poverty.
However, the regime has shown little interest in pursuing these initiatives, instead focusing on preserving the status quo.
This lack of vision has prevented Nepal from unlocking its true potential and achieving sustainable development.
Although Nepal is not free from other serpents in the garden, it is salutary to admit that politicians like Khadga Prasad, Sher Bahadur, Pushpa Kamal, Madhav Nepal, and Baburam have come to represent a persistent disregard for democratic principles, consistently prioritizing short-term electoral gains over the nation’s long-term progress and well-being.
Globally, the post-World War II era witnessed remarkable progress, with extreme poverty halving from 50% to 25% of the global population.
Yet, Nepal remains an outlier, with nearly half of its citizens still living in poverty.
This disparity is not due to insurmountable challenges but to deliberate mismanagement and the failure of leadership to seize opportunities for advancement.
Instead of leveraging Nepal’s natural resources and strategic location for development, successive governments have allowed greed and incompetence to dictate policy.
The failure of Nepal’s democracy is not merely a consequence of individual shortcomings but a systemic issue rooted in the nation’s political culture.
Elections, which should serve as a mechanism for accountability and representation, have devolved into personality contests.
Leaders are chosen not for their vision or competence but for their ability to manipulate public sentiment and consolidate power.
This culture of opportunism has stifled meaningful policy discourse and reduced democracy to a mere façade.
In the context of Nepal, the problem also arose because the people repeatedly brought the same corrupt and malicious individuals and political parties to power.
The current state of Nepali democracy is unlikely to change until people adopt a more grounded and realistic perspective, breaking free from the illusions that surround them and embracing a vision inspired by wisdom and clarity.
Perhaps Nepal’s major problem lies in the fact that a significant portion of the media has either become entirely submissive to power centers or compromised the core values of journalism.
This is deeply troubling, as it emboldens power-hungry politicians to operate with authoritarian tendencies, undermining democratic principles and accountability.
But it should also be noted that Nepal’s democratic journey has been further undermined by the lack of accountability and transparency among its political leaders.
A strong but limited government, focused on fostering virtuous cycles of growth and development, can pave the way for a prosperous future.
Although Nepal is not free from other serpents in the garden, it is salutary to admit that politicians like Khadga Prasad, Sher Bahadur, Pushpa Kamal, Madhav Nepal, and Baburam have come to represent a persistent disregard for democratic principles, consistently prioritizing short-term electoral gains over the nation’s long-term progress and well-being.
Their governance has been characterized by radical individualism, pervasive corruption, and a complete absence of visionary leadership.
As a result, Nepal remains stuck in a vicious cycle of stagnation, with no clear path toward meaningful reform.
One of the most troubling aspects of the Arzu-Oli government is its failure to address Nepal’s diplomatic challenges, raising serious concerns.
Once again, Oli, who technically leads the government, demonstrates a lack of self-improvement, discipline, and tenacity of purpose.
His involvement in Cambodian Energy Power, coupled with allegations against Arzu, the current foreign minister, for converting Nepalese into Bhutanese refugees, highlights a troubling pattern of prioritizing personal gain over national interests.
These actions not only undermine Nepal’s sovereignty but also damage its reputation on the global stage.
The absence of transparency and accountability in these dealings further erodes public trust in the government.
Nepal’s current predicament is not without solutions, but addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift in the nation’s political culture.
Democracy must be reimagined as a practical system that acknowledges its imperfections and strives for continuous improvement.
Elections should prioritize competence and vision over popularity and charisma.
Political parties must focus on overarching goals, such as equality and social justice, and engage in meaningful policy debates to chart a clear path forward.
While party members may have thought they were setting the future direction of the government, this is clearly not the case. This cycle has a long history in Nepali politics.
By addressing systemic issues and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, Nepal can break free from its current struggles and chart a path toward sustainable development and prosperity.
Globally, the success of democracy has depended on the ability of nations to adapt and innovate.
Nepal must learn from these examples and embrace a governance model that balances strength and inclusivity.
A strong but limited government, focused on fostering virtuous cycles of growth and development, can pave the way for a prosperous future.
This requires bold leadership, visionary policies, and a commitment to the principles of equality and justice.
The task ahead is daunting, but it is not impossible. Nepal’s citizens must rise above corrupt leadership and demand systemic reforms.
Activism alone is not enough; deliberate political engineering and a recalibration of governance are essential to address the nation’s pressing needs.
By fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, Nepal can unlock its true potential and achieve a brighter future.
Nepal’s democratic experiment is at a crossroads. Democracy, in its true sense, should be a routine and normalized political system rooted in the principles of equality.
It must prioritize the welfare of all citizens and effectively address collective interests within its framework.
By addressing systemic issues and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, Nepal can break free from its current struggles and chart a path toward sustainable development and prosperity.
Final note: While business leaders rarely excel as politicians, business interests have long recognized the importance of influencing political parties and elections.
One way they secure meaningful connections and ensure access when needed is through financial contributions—a practice that poses a significant risk in Nepal.
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