Opinion | Old questions in new times
Summary
Nepal's political landscape faces a critical moment as old and new political parties compete, highlighting the essential role of citizens not just as voters but as active guardians of democracy. The article emphasizes the importance of citizen oversight to drive democratic reform amid frustrations with both old party structures and new political movements.
Key Points
- Nepal's political competition is between old parties with historical legacies and new parties promising alternative politics.
- Old parties face crises of internal democracy and public accountability, leading to citizen disappointment and emergence of new parties.
- New parties struggle with institutional maturity and clear long-term vision, requiring critical citizen support rather than blind faith.
- Citizens must play an active role in democracy by choosing values over parties, maintaining continuous oversight, and rewarding or punishing parties accordingly.
