Analysis of Nepal's Political Crises: From Rana Regime to the Current Federal Democratic Republic
Summary
Nepal's political trajectory from the Rana regime through multiple systemic changes reveals persistent struggles to institutionalize democracy amid leadership failures and evolving political movements, highlighted by the upcoming election seen as a referendum on old versus new political forces.
Key Points
- The 104-year Rana autocracy ended in 2007 BS with the Nepali Congress-led armed struggle, but subsequent internal conflicts impeded democratic progress.
- King Mahendra dissolved the first elected House and imposed the Panchayati system, leading to a 30-year democratic struggle culminating in its restoration in 2046 BS.
- Maoist insurgency and the fall of monarchy followed, with subsequent governments failing to meet public expectations, leading to a GenZ-led anti-corruption movement.
- The upcoming election on Falgun 21 is viewed as a pivotal referendum between entrenched parties and new political forces spurred by recent youth movements.
- Leadership failures, including missed opportunities by Oli and Prachanda, rather than lack of institutional frameworks, are blamed for Nepal’s ongoing political instability.
