A Crisis of Democracy and Governance in Nepal
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood - Nepal); World History (Democratic movements); Current events of international importance.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developing and developing countries on India’s interests. The nature of democratic transitions and instability in India's neighborhood is a core topic.
Key Highlights from the News
The article argues that the Prime Minister's resignation and the dissolution of parliament, following anti-government protests led by youth in Nepal, were unconstitutional actions.
The burning of democratic institutions like the parliament and Supreme Court by protestors is described as "violent nihilism," which could potentially destroy Nepal's hard-won democratic gains.
While public grievances regarding corruption and mismanagement are valid, destroying democratic institutions is not a solution.
The protestors' reliance on anonymous online forums like Discord for decision-making highlights the unrepresentative nature and immaturity of their decisions.
The new interim government should prioritize restoring the rule of law, protecting democratic institutions, and holding free and fair elections.
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