We boast of ourselves as citizens of an independent nation, having never been colonized while our powerful neighboring giants were under colonial rule. We perceive ourselves as free, but are we truly free? During the era of colonization, we endured deep suffering under the oppressive Rana regime, where speaking for oneself or the community was prohibited. The brave martyrs made ultimate sacrifices to break free from this tangled web of oppression. Despite the passage of time and the existence of different forms of governance marked by extreme political instability, we have not yet got the democratic freedom that we longingly fought for.

Today, Nepal is a democratic republic country, at least on paper. However, in reality, it seems to be operating under an oligarchic system, with Oli, Deuba, and Dahal taking turns ruling the country trapping the innocent citizens in their web of false promises. They have turned almost a blind eye even to events like Prem Prasad Acharya’s self-immolation as a poignant protest in front of the parliament building. In contrast, a similar act by Mohamed Bouazizi in January 2011 became a catalyst for the Tunisian revolution, overthrowing the 23-year autocratic regime of Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and triggering the Arab Spring uprising against autocratic regimes. Sadly, Acharya’s heroic death seems to have been in vain as the issues he raised still remain unresolved. So, the question naturally arises are we truly living in a free democratic country?

Today, we again have a new hope as politics and governance in Nepal transition from deeply rooted self-interested political leaders to old and young experienced and educated enthusiasts trying to rebuild the nation. We are once again starting to dream of a better Nepal, one marked by development, peace, stability, freedom, and equality. However, it is crucial to understand that such a transition carries the potential of not only rebuilding the nation but can also dismantle the very democratic fabric of the country. History offers numerous examples of countries that, after overthrowing colonial rule, aspired to live in equal and free societies, only to find themselves subjected to even more brutal dictatorships. This is evident in many African countries. From a certain perspective, we find ourselves at a similar juncture in history – an exciting period of new hopes, fresh beginnings, and abundant opportunities. Nevertheless, we face a new challenge – the rise of an emotional populist movement fuelled by modern-day social media where people are blindly following a single person or a group without thoughtful consideration. It is a dangerous disease in a democratic country that has the potential of turning a democracy into a totalitarian regime in no time, the prime example being Hitler’s Germany. When a single person assumes the authority to dictate what is right and what is wrong in a state thinking he is greater than the rule of law; when one starts making decisions completely ignoring his advisors or counselors or voices of citizens; when one starts showing his power and dominance because of his populist ideology, the very foundations of democracy and freedom are at risk. Such circumstances can lead to a detrimental turning point for the country, with long-term consequences that may be difficult to remedy.

Hence, it is evident that the political transition does not come with no cost. So, what should be our solution? As responsible citizens of the country, we must not solely rely on the government for prosperity but also play our part equally for development, freedom, and stability. It is our duty as responsible citizens to be aware and vigilant of the government’s actions. We should carefully monitor the leaders and the government at every step and raise our voices if they deviate from their intended path. Instead of being swayed by emotional manipulation, we must exercise caution when it comes to social-media democracy and populism. We should, no doubt, praise the good works our leaders have been doing, but we should also not be afraid to speak up against both the new and old generation leaders if they seem to be going against the Constitution and the Rule of Law. In essence, there must always be a robust system of strong checks and balances between the state and civil society. As citizens of this beautiful nation, we should serve as watchdogs of the state and government, ensuring that our inherent human right to freedom is not overshadowed when we are busy criticizing old politicians and endorsing new leaders in every decision blindly.

This is not an opinion piece of pessimism, but rather an appeal for cautious positivism, and I sincerely hope that each and every one of us will actively play our parts in the process of rebuilding our nation.

 
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