PRESENT government enjoys historical mandate to maintain political stability and give a new direction to national development. It is the first government formed after the promulgation of the new constitution and the historical elections of three tier governments - local, state and federal. Political vicious cycles and bad traditions have been broken with the country witnessing epoch-making systematic overhaul and restructuring. Stagnated pace of grassroots development and empowerment was restored with the local level elections. State elections made history in Nepal with devolution of political powers and true decentralisation of development, though institutional strengthening is still in the process. Nepal Communist Party got the solid mandate of the people in the federal polls to run the nation for the upcoming five years. This reflects the aspirations of the people to give the nation new direction through stability, good governance and active participation of the people. Majority government was formed in Nepal in the past too, but people had to see their hopes dashed when internal wrangling and power tussle took the nation back to square one. But this is the government that wants to shatter such tradition and establish a new culture.
Historical requirements make things possible that were otherwise dismissed as irrelevant and impossible. Unification of two powerful left forces to create Nepal Communist Party and the trust of the electorate upon it has created an environment where focus has been rightly put on development and prosperity. The government under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is not focused on what can done and undone in the five years. It is well aware that the nation cannot take a new direction unless there is broader and long term vision that transcends narrow perspective of the party and individuals and confinement of tenure. Clear national goals and committed action plan are the pre-requisite for taking the nation out of prolonged poverty and backwardness. Under this government, the nation has launched national development drive with the ambitious target of graduating the country to the developing status and joining the club of middle income country. However, there are many hurdles to overcome to meet this goal. The hangover of the political transition and impunity needs to be ended for once and for all. Corruption has to be eliminated and transparency and accountability established. All types of inequality, disparity and discriminations have to come to an end.
The government is striving hard to fight the anomalies that have impeded development, prosperity and justice for a long time. In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwar Pokharel has said that it is right time for making the mid-term assessment of the government’s performance. Pokharel’s remarks have come at a time when the government is going to complete its 200 days in office in near future. In a democratic system, people are sovereign and they have a right to be informed about the performance of the government. For a ruling party, it is important to heed the pledges made to the people. A soul searching is necessary and sometimes a rethinking may be relevant to make sure that people’s aspirations are met and national interests are given due priority. To move on the right direction, the government should listen to public voice and feel the mass sentiment.