Kathmandu
Governance Graveyard
Referred to as the world champion of political instability, Nepal can map a road towards stability and development by encouraging a culture of inclusive governance.
Nepal’s political landscape is characterized by ongoing governance crises, unstable coalitions, and frequent power shifts, reflecting an unusual degree of predictability. The recent collapse of a coalition government that lasted 15 months, spearheaded by Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) and including the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) alongside the Nepali Congress (NC), warrants a thorough analysis. This incident marks yet another development in the ongoing saga of Nepali politics, often defined by the enduring volatility of coalition governments and the regularity of reshuffles as typical occurrences. Nepal’s position as a global emblem of political instability stems from its ongoing systemic challenges, which both sustain and reinforce this viewpoint.
The political instability in Nepal is deeply intertwined with its intricate and tumultuous historical background. The Rana regime (1846–1951) solidified the principles of autocratic governance, whereas the Shah monarchy maintained centralized authority over several centuries. The 1950s marked a pivotal moment for Nepal as it embarked on a journey towards democracy. This transition initiated a phase of political experimentation that, instead of fostering stable governance, exposed significant divisions within the political framework. In 1960, King Mahendra took the decisive step of dissolving the government and instituting the Panchayat system. This political structure eliminated party participation and stifled political advancement until 1990, leading to a considerable regression in the democratic endeavor.
Although the 1990 People’s Movement signaled the start of a multi-party democracy, the environment was still typified by rampant corruption, poor institutions, and intense factionalism. From 1996 to 2006, the Maoist insurgency highlighted socio-economic inequities and caused a protracted civil war, resulting in the deaths of around 17,000 individuals, hence aggravating existing problems. The end of the monarchy in 2008 and the Epilogue of the insurgency in 2006 defined Nepal’s transition towards a federal democratic republic. Still, the 2015 Constitution, a noteworthy accomplishment, drew much debate and demonstrations from underprivileged groups, further aggravating the general unrest.
Coalition governments have become the hallmark of Nepali politics. The literal meaning of coalition—to grow together—is often lost as parties prioritize power over governance. Nepali coalitions are frequently built on fragile agreements with little focus on policy coherence or developmental goals. For instance, the current coalition includes the Maoist Centre, CPN-UML, Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), yet struggles with internal mismanagement and power-sharing conflicts. Such alliances often collapse under the weight of mistrust and competing interests, leading to a cycle of instability.
The drive for political survival often leads to alliances formed and broken with astonishing regularity. A notable example is Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s repeated shifts in allegiance—from partnering with the UML to forming a government with the NC and later switching allegiances again. Such betrayals erode trust among parties and undermine governance. These behaviors reflect a deep-seated political culture where personal and party interests eclipse national priorities.
Nepal’s political institutions, including its judiciary, bureaucracy, and electoral commission, are underdeveloped and often perceived as biased or inefficient. This institutional fragility undermines governance and public trust, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction. Successive governments have failed to address these issues, further deepening the crisis.
With more than 120 ethnic groups and 123 languages, Nepal offers a complexity in its variety that can be both positive and difficult. Protests by groups such as the Madhesi and Tharu help them express their worries over supposed political process exclusion. Although intended to divide power more fairly, the federalism clauses in the 2015 Constitution have caused major debates over representation and autonomy, aggravating existing differences and adding to instability.
With more than 120 ethnic groups and 123 languages, Nepal offers a complexity in its variety that can be both positive and difficult.
Nepal’s location between India and China makes it a major actor in the nuances of regional power relations. The two nations often fight for dominance using diplomatic alliances and financial aid. The participation of outside players gives Nepal’s internal political scene layers of complexity, leading to regular claims that political parties prioritize foreign agendas above the country’s needs.
Nepal’s growth path is greatly changed by its ongoing political unrest. The dire state of the economy causes a drop in investment, delays in infrastructure projects, and higher unemployment rates. This kind of environment motivates many young people to seek chances abroad. Social unrest fuels public mistrust and disillusionment, therefore aggravating society’s division. It keeps aggravating current governance issues and seriously jeopardizes the integrity of democratic procedures.
The absence of stable leadership seriously compromises Nepal’s ability to address urgent issues like public health problems, educational reform, and climate change. For instance, the government’s failure to provide enough employment possibilities in front of a fast-rising young population has led to significant brain drain and general societal disturbance.
Successful coalitions must function based on shared goals and mutual trust. Political parties must follow a code of behavior stressing national interests over those of any one party or person. Effective coalitions must give inclusiveness, tolerance, and adaptation first priority, fostering a political atmosphere based on mutual progress.
Strong institutions are mainly necessary for maintaining political stability. Nepal should prioritize improving its court, bureaucracy, and election systems to advance justice, responsibility, and openness. Stability and the building of public trust may be anchored on autonomous institutions.
Ensuring equitable representation and carrying out inclusive policies helps address the issues of underprivileged groups. Strong federal systems that empower local governments can link central authorities with different populations, reducing conflicts and supporting unity.
Nepal should pursue a foreign policy that balances national sovereignty and strategic autonomy. By increasing economic cooperation and reducing reliance on outside aid, Nepal can significantly reduce outside influence and enhance autonomy.
Economic development is crucial for reducing instability. By making deliberate investments in infrastructure, job development, and education, Nepal can address the fundamental causes of instability and give its young people realistic chances locally. Economic empowerment is a driver for improving social cohesiveness and advancing stability in societies.
Political unrest typified by continuous changes in leadership, unstable alliances, and unresolved untreated socioeconomic problems has greatly affected Nepal’s development as a republic. These problems are not unworkable, however. Nepal can map a road towards stability and development by encouraging an inclusive and responsible government culture, enhancing institutions, and correcting economic inequalities. Together with innovative leadership, the resilience of its people has the power to turn Nepal from a symbol of political unrest into a lighthouse of democratic maturity in the Himalayan region.
The writer is a freelance contributor based in Lahore. She can be reached at gulnaznawaz1551@gmail.com
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