Taranath Dahal
The Nepali youths waged a 'revolution' in September for the freedom of speech and democratic governance. The September 8-9 revolution is now recorded as one of the most wonderful events not only in Nepali history but also in the world. However, the protest caused a huge human and economic loss. It has further pushed the Nepali politics to another round of transition- 'the phase full of suspicion and risk'. The fear has gripped whether democratic system remains intact and country eludes a vicious uncertainty and conflict.
It was a sheer regressive background leading to the Gen Z demonstration in Nepal. Irrespective of having the people elected legitimate government with near two-thirds of majority in the parliament, the government leadership under KP Sharma Oli emerged tough against the social media- banned various digital platforms unconstitutionally. It was a shameless ignorance and indifference to the suggestion and advocacy the civil society and media fraternity made repeatedly to the government to not ban the social media. The ban of the social networks, which had been integral and popular to people's life, left the users of all age groups in jitters, fueling further agitation. Freedom Forum had launched a campaign as a leading CSO against this brazen act of social media ban. However, the plea and advocacy fall on pachyderm ear of the government.
Moreover, the values of transparency faced continuous threats. The demands made for accountability and responsiveness is ignored much. The culture of tolerance was eroding. Worryingly, the Executive made repeated attempts to shadow other State organs- legislature and judiciary. The decisions made by the court was interpreted by the government to curb the civil rights. The adjudication was greeted with questions of judicial independence and integrity. The institutions established to prevent and control corruption and misgovernance were at the receiving end of political influence that badly dented their performance, coursing controversy and criticisms. Such institutions did not improve but continued enjoying political diktat pliantly. It ultimately resulted into public disenchantment and distrust towards State. The distrust mounted on political parties and their leaders too. At such situation, encroachment to citizens' rights further fueled the anger, thereby exploding into the street protests. The people, especially led by Gen Z group spoke vocally for the restoration of FoE and maintenance of good governance.
Horribly, the street protest was left unheard and unaddressed. The government's irresponsibility knew no bound that caused the death of two dozens of youths on the first day of the protest, September 8, outside the main building of parliament, New Baneshwor. The protest begun peacefully unleashed anarchy the next day. The vandalism and arson spread across the major urbans of Nepal on September 9, that perished the property of huge amount. The number of casualties ratcheted up, finally collapsing the government. The government collapse immediately rendered the state ineffective. The people's elected House of Representatives was dissolved and new election announced for March 5.
The citizen government is in place with the mandate of holding the HoR election in six months. Once this government acts well and holds election successfully, the country will evidently restore democracy and constitution. In case the government fails to hold the election, instability will plague Nepal with the constitutional failure. It will be a state of gross chaos, causing dreadfulness.
Therefore, the citizen's revolt must be addressed by paying heed to their demands. It warrants responsibilities from all sides to prevent the country from further risk and derailment. It is the national duty to stay aware and active to protect the system. Freedom Forum is focused on it. We are active and alert to facilitate in making aware all concerned for restoring the constitution made from the Constituent Assembly for peace and democracy in Nepal. It helps minimize threats to citizen's rights.
The FoE, right to information, open society, transparency in governance and functional democracy are the agenda FF have been forwarding for long. The GenZ people also demanded these issues. The research, study and advocacy FF did contributed to the youth awareness for good governance and better democracy. FF had taken a lead in advocating relentlessly for citizens' rights on digital platforms. We believe Nepal will head to functional democracy and accountable governance.
Meanwhile, agendas for policy and law reform are on hold due to the dissolution of lower house. However, FF takes this as a right moment to advocate for the better policies and laws related to freedom of expression, media and digital space regulation. FF's activities will focus on advancing the reform agenda in collaboration with the political parties.
