KATHMANDU: Former King Gyanendra Shah has released an eight-minute video message on Wednesday on the eve of Democracy Day (Falgun 7), rejecting the current electoral process and calling for a broad national consensus to resolve the country’s problems.
In his message, Shah paid tribute to King Tribhuvan and the martyrs who contributed to the establishment of democracy, offering respect and remembrance for their sacrifices.
He also expressed gratitude to the general public, indigenous communities and citizens who welcomed him upon his return to Kathmandu on February 13 after spending several months in Jhapa. Durga Prasai, who coordinated the welcome program, is currently in government custody.
Stating that the country is passing through an abnormal and crisis-ridden phase, the former monarch stressed the need for unity to prevent conflict and promote harmony. “People feel that the nation’s dignity and existence itself are under threat,” he said.
Although acknowledging that constitutional processes and periodic elections are essential components of democracy, Shah argued that going to elections without first addressing national problems would not be appropriate.
“In a democracy, political processes must function according to constitutional norms. Periodic elections are natural in a democratic system,” he said. “However, at present, the primary condition is resolving national issues. Only after initiating all-party efforts to address these problems should the country move toward elections. To prevent another conflict, elections should be held only after forging consensus.”
He further remarked that a tendency has grown in which people demand rights without fulfilling duties, urging citizens to act with a sense of responsibility to steer the country out of crisis.
The former king emphasized that stability can only be ensured through systems suited to the country’s geography and natural structure. He noted that every political system has both strengths and weaknesses and called for reform while preserving positive aspects.
“Only a system aligned with the country’s geography and nature can ensure stability. Every system has good and bad elements,” he said. “Through fundamental reforms and improvements, we must make people’s lives simpler and more comfortable. Democracy should accommodate all thoughts and traditions.”
Shah added that the country is currently in a state of unusual restlessness. Reflecting on past political struggles and movements, he questioned what tangible benefits repeated changes had delivered to the nation and its people.
“Our enemy today is poverty and instability,” he said, urging respect for social values, traditions and diverse viewpoints while fostering a shared sense of duty in service of the nation and society.
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