The 72nd National Democracy Day was observed amidst a variety of programmes across the country the other day. The Democracy Day bears special meaning for the Nepali people. On Fagun 7, 2007 B.S., Nepali people had thrown off the yoke of oppressive Rana regime, ushering the country in an era of freedom, peace and stability. The hereditary Rana rule had subjugated Nepalis for more than a century. It was a dark age when Nepalis had to live in a state of perpetual servitude and trepidation. The people were treated like Raitis (subjects) who have no say in political, administrative and military matters. Any dissenting voices were dealt with harshly. No formal law guided the government and its agencies. The repressive system was created by dictatorial fiat. What the rulers ordered became the law. The Rana rulers and their family members usurped public resources like their private property.

In such an oppressive environment, growth of Nepali society was next to impossible. Unable to live in a suffocating situation, the people gradually began to protest the despotic rule. In the beginning, there was rudimentary way of expressing dissent and rage against the regime. As the people got familiarised with the modern political ideas and values that came from abroad, they launched struggle for democracy systematically. Scores of people were detained and received martyrdom. As the people rose in revolt, the regime surrendered, paving the way for the establishment of democracy, freedom and civil liberties. On Fagun 7, democracy was proclaimed heralding a new era of emancipation of people. The historic day has been the sources of inspiration for all subsequent struggles for democracy, human rights and equality. Nepali people have become sovereign citizens of an independent country, with access to the vital decision and policy making process.

While addressing a special function organised at Sainik Munch Tundikhel Saturday to mark the occasion, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba rightly said that the political revolution waged for the establishment of democracy in 2007 B.S. was of far-reaching and historical importance in the annals of history. "The journey of federal democratic republic governance system has been realised today after completing several revolutions on the foundation of the 2007 BS epochal revolution," he stated. It is true that Nepali people fought for democracy time and again, and it was the 2007 B.S. revolution that served as the basis of other drastic changes. Today, the nation has become federal democratic republic with focus on inclusive democracy and proportionate representation of people from diverse socio-economic and geographical backgrounds. The new constitution promulgated in 2015 has institutionalised the achievements of all past movements and revolutions.

Every political change seeks good governance so that the goods and services are delivered effectively and efficiently. This requires what PM Deuba said "a shared commitment through the elected people's representatives by holding civic polls and subsequent provincial and federal elections." Periodic elections form the cornerstone of democracy. So the present government has given priority to holding three-tier polls in a free, fair and fearless environment to enhance democratic governance system. It is imperative for all political parties, civil society, media and other stakeholders to contribute to conduct the elections in an impartial manner as the election boosts democratic system and people's participation in policy framing and development works.