KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that democracy can only be strengthened through continuous dialogue and mutual understanding, not through conflict and confrontation.
During a meeting held on Friday with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the National Assembly, and the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Provincial Assemblies, President Paudel emphasized the importance of upholding democratic conduct by listening to and addressing the voices of citizens.
“It is the need of the hour to move forward with the realization that the successful conduct of the House of Representatives (HoR) election announced for March 5, 2026, is the duty of all of us,” the President said.
“This is essential to safeguard the Constitution and further strengthen democracy, keeping in mind the aspirations of the younger generation for good governance and development.”
He stressed that consolidating the parliamentary system is a national responsibility, not merely the task of one party, government, or leader. “The special role of Parliament and the government is to create systems and structures that can hear, understand, and respond to the voices of citizens,” he said.
Describing the Constitution as “not just a legal document but a roadmap for our collective journey, consensus, and resolution,” President Paudel underlined the shared duty to protect it.
He added that dissenting voices must be addressed through dialogue, not dismissed or ignored. “That should be our policy and approach,” he remarked.
Addressing recent debates about his constitutional role, the President clarified that his recent ‘intervention’ was guided by the intent to safely steer the nation through a critical juncture, even if it may have appeared executive in nature.
“As the Head of State, I remain conscious of and concerned about any potential interference with the Constitution,” he said.
President Paudel also reminded political parties of their responsibilities to ensure the timely and successful conduct of the HoR elections. He cautioned that political statements made without regard to the nation’s situation could create confusion among citizens.
“Political parties and their leaders should not keep citizens in confusion,” he said. “It is their responsibility—and indeed their duty—to act with utmost clarity.”
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