Federal Democratic Republic System in Nepal: 19 Years of Progress and Challenges

Kailali. It has been 19 years since the Federal Democratic Republic system was implemented in the country. As a result of the political change in 2062-63 BS, Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic country on Jestha 15, 2065 BS. However, as the work has not been as expected during this period, negative comments are sometimes heard from various quarters regarding this system.

Especially due to the lack of political stability and good governance, negative comments are made about the system itself. However, the democratic republic system is considered the best system. Although three tiers of government are working according to the constitutional system, sometimes misunderstandings are seen in certain contexts during the exercise of their respective rights.

As a result of the 'Gen Z' movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24, the then House of Representatives was dissolved and the House of Representatives election was peacefully completed for a fresh mandate. Through the election, the people have established the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as the largest party in the House of Representatives, close to a two-thirds majority. In a democracy, the mandate of the people is supreme. The federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Balen Shah is giving concrete shape to the spirit of the Gen Z movement. It is ushering the country into a transformative era.

This year, Republic Day is being celebrated grandly with various programs on Jestha 15. In this regard, an interview with the Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province and leader of the Nepali Congress, Kamal Bahadur Shah, on the initiatives being taken by the provincial government to institutionalize the republic after the implementation of the federal system:

Nepal has been implementing the Federal Democratic Republic system for 19 years. In your experience, what positive aspects of the system have you observed during this period?

Since the country moved to the Federal Democratic Republic system, it is clearly seen that the people have progressed in terms of development and establishing their rights during this period. All three tiers of government have also moved forward according to the constitution and laws of the country under the federal structure. However, despite this, some problems and complexities are also seen.

In the overall parliamentary process, we have moved forward in many aspects of resolving our disagreements through dialogue and discussion, uniting the country, and addressing the aspirations of the citizens. As far as economic growth is concerned. Similarly, work has progressed within their respective jurisdictions in infrastructure, education, and health. This period has also worked in connecting the development process with all levels.

Have you experienced challenges in the smooth implementation of this system?

Regarding challenges, there were situations in the past where the amendment process of some laws and regulations was significantly delayed. We could not improve this. Along with that, due to the lack of clarity regarding the jurisdictions of the three tiers of government, some confusion has been created.

Along with that, some complexities are being experienced regarding the delegation of certain rights specified by the constitution. Some problems and complexities are also seen due to the lack of necessary and clear concrete policies in certain contexts.

Could you tell us something about the efforts being made by the provincial government to institutionalize the republic?

This republic is for the people. The people brought the republic. Since the people brought the republic, we must create an environment that takes the people into confidence. In that regard, we have undertaken various tasks to establish the voices of citizens' rights and the aspirations of citizens. Whether it is dialogue with the citizens or dialogue with local representatives, we have moved forward by creating a harmonious environment among the federal and provincial levels. The voices of the marginalized and backward people, which were not reaching the state bodies, are now being heard by the state bodies, and we have been creating an environment to convey them to that level.

In a republican system, development, rights, representation, and public aspirations must be advanced together. The rights of citizens' freedom must also be advanced. The issues of justice that individuals receive must also be advanced. The provincial government is working on all these aspects. The government is committed to working according to the aspirations of the people within the limits of its resources. Only by working according to their aspirations can it help institutionalize this system.

Negative comments are sometimes heard from the citizen level regarding the federal system, why might such comments be arising?

Naturally, with the country moving to federalism, federalism is seen to be at risk from various angles. There were some shortcomings. Some questions have arisen because we, the people's representatives and leadership, have not been able to work in the spirit of the country's constitution. However, the people also believe that there can be no alternative to the republic and federalism other than the constitution. We have realized that we have somewhere failed in creating an environment of trust by delivering to the people. And now, all these things must be understood and moved forward. It is wrong to create a narrative that nothing has happened since the country moved to a Federal Democratic Republic. This system is the best and most democratic in the world.

It is heard that the provincial government is facing obstacles from the federal government in the implementation of some matters. Why do you think this is happening?

In some laws and regulations, the federal government has not yet been able to enact them. Whether it is education or matters related to the civil service. Similarly, we also feel that the federal government may not have worked at the pace it should have in terms of delegating powers to the provinces, ensuring good governance, and in matters of police administration and forest laws and regulations. To further strengthen faith and belief in the system, it has become necessary for all levels of government to move forward with mutual coordination and cooperation to remove the ambiguities seen in the implementation of their respective rights.

Finally, on the occasion of Republic Day, what message do you want to give to the people of the province?

First of all, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the residents of Sudurpashchim Province on the occasion of Republic Day. This country must be made strong and prosperous within the current constitutional system. We must move forward by creating a correct mechanism so that some shortcomings and mistakes in the process and style of working within this system are not repeated. And the state will move forward in that direction.

The state must always be continuously and unhinderedly alerted and advised by the citizens. We all must unite and move forward to strengthen the Federal Democratic Republic by the citizens and the state working together. This is the request I want to make.