Nepal Election 2082: What Will Be the Role of the Diminished Opposition in the New Parliament?
Image source, Reuters/BBC
With the ruling party holding nearly a two-thirds majority in the newly elected parliament, questions arise about how effective the opposition parties will be.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) alone has secured a dominant presence in the 182-member House of Representatives, while the main opposition Nepali Congress will have only 38 MPs. Following them are 25 MPs from the CPN-UML, 17 from the Nepali Communist Party, seven from the Labor Culture Party, four from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and one independent member.
In a democracy, opposition parties play an important role similar to the ruling side. However, the new parliament’s composition has raised many questions among analysts.
What Do the Opposition Parties Say?
In the context of Nepali Congress assuming the role of the main opposition party, Arjunanarasingh KC, elected via proportional representation, says their role is now clear.
“We fully support every step of the government aimed at rule of law, corruption-free society, and good governance. We will be constructive collaborators. Respecting the people’s vote is our political duty, culture, and democratic ideal,” KC said.
He expressed willingness not to oppose the government for at least the first 100 days.
“We were punished by the people for past failures; therefore, we will also support the government’s efforts to depoliticize the bureaucracy.”
The CPN-UML, which was removed from government after the Mid-August people’s movement, won fewer seats in both direct and proportional representation in this election. Padma Aryal, a proportional representation MP and former minister, expressed the results as unexpected.
“This result has made us serious. But the welfare of the country and people remains paramount. Our responsibilities do not diminish even with fewer members,” Aryal said.
“We will utilize our numbers for public and national interest.”
The Nepali Communist Party will also appear as the fourth party in the new parliament.
They have committed to playing a constructive opposition role.
“If we work together with Raswapa and the upcoming government on administrative reform and good governance as pledged, we will give our full support. If commitments are breached, we will issue warnings,” stated newly elected MP and former minister Barsaman Pun of the CPN.
How Much Impact Does Numbers Have on the Agenda?
Image source, RSS
Analysts have said democracy cannot be strong if the opposition is weak.
However, they emphasize that the power of the opposition is not limited to the number of MPs alone.
“Numbers alone do not determine importance; the qualitative role of the opposition is even more critical. For example, during the Panchayat era, although all MPs were from the Panchayat system, Rupchandra Bista, an independent candidate, single-handedly kept issues strong. His speeches had to be heard by all,” political analyst Rajendra Maharjan explained.
“If opposition effectively raises the people’s voices, even fewer numbers can suffice. Effective interventions on issues can pressure the government,” Maharjan added.
CPN leader Pun stated that although their numbers are small, their record is not weak.
Congress leader KC noted that while working within the democratic framework, they expect to support the government. “Finding the right option depends not only on numbers but also on the people’s will,” he said.
He expressed hope that there will be no splits or irregularities within the ruling party in the future.
“We do not emphasize a tradition of opposing. We will move forward based on merits and faults.”
CPN-UML leader Aryal pledged that her party will work with honesty and accountability for the country and people’s interests.
Caution Is Necessary
Despite having significantly fewer MPs than in the past, opposition parties have vowed to fully play their expected democratic role.
“The Nepali people have chosen a new force and we have accepted that. If they fail to meet people’s expectations, we will issue warnings on behalf of the people,” Pun said.
“The people’s hopes for employment generation, good governance, economic growth, and balanced international relations must be fulfilled. If not, we must fulfill our role of caution.”
CPN-UML leader Padma Aryal affirmed that her party will play the role of steering the government back on the right track if it takes a wrong path.
“Development and prosperity are our goals and agenda. We will repeatedly advise the government on addressing people’s aspirations and balanced development,” Aryal said.
Officials have stated that the session of the House of Representatives formed by the February 21 election will be convened soon.
This week, the Election Commission will formally submit the election results report to the President. Following that, a new government will be formed and the new House session will be called where the roles of the ruling and opposition parties will become clearer.
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