Nepal’s Democratic Deficit and Federalism Is it a cure or part of the problem?

Abstract

Since the second democratic opening in 1990, Nepal has suffered from a democratic deficit due to the new leaders’ failure to institutionalise democracy by promoting inclusion, representation, and responsiveness. The concept of federalism, as argued in Nepal today, reflects the failure of the past and the determination to give local governance the real political and economic power. The fringe leftist and rightist parties oppose federalism, arguing that it will create deep divisions. Some of them even assume that the country may ultimately disappear altogether. In view of the widespread popular support, the challenge is to use federalism as an opportunity for prudently promoting inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance in the interest of economic prosperity and social well-being of the Nepali people. KEYWORDS: • federalism • monarchy • decentralisation • democracy • transition • constituent assembly • Nepal