Nepal Election 2082: What Role Will the Shrinking Opposition Play in the New Parliament?
Image source, Reuters/BBC
Questions are emerging on how strong the opposition parties can be in the newly elected parliament where the ruling party holds almost a two-thirds majority.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) alone has secured a dominant position in the 182-member House of Representatives, followed by the main opposition Nepali Congress with only 38 seats, CPN-UML with 25, Nepali Communist Party with 17, Labour Culture Party with 7, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) with 4, and one independent member.
In a democracy, the role of the opposition is as crucial as that of the ruling side. Analysts have noted that the composition of the new parliament raises many questions in this regard.
What Do Opposition Parties Say?
Arjunanarsingh KC, a proportional representation MP from Nepali Congress, believes their party has a defined role as the main opposition.
“We will fully support every government step aimed at rule of law, corruption-free society, and good governance. We will be a constructive partner. Respecting the people’s mandate is our political duty, culture, and democratic ideal,” KC said.
They hope there will be no opposition at least in the government’s first 100 days.
“The public punished us because we failed to act in the past, so we will support the government’s efforts to depoliticize the bureaucracy,” he added.
Following the displacement after the Bhadra public awakening movement, the CPN-UML secured fewer seats through both the direct and proportional systems in this election. Padma Aryal, a proportional representation MP and former minister from UML, considers this result unexpected.
“This result has made us serious. However, the country and the people are paramount. Although our numbers are lower, our responsibility to the country and people will not weaken,” Aryal said.
“We plan to utilize our representation for the public good and national interest.”
The Nepali Communist Party has positioned itself as the fourth largest party in the new parliament.
It has also committed to playing a constructive opposition role.
“If our friends at RSP and the upcoming government fulfill commitments regarding governance reforms and good governance, we will offer full support. If they deviate from those commitments, we will issue warnings,” said newly elected MP and former minister Barshaman Pun.
How Much Impact Does the Numbers Have on the Agenda?
Image source, RSS
Analysts assert democracy cannot function properly when the opposition is weak.
However, they note that the strength of the opposition is not solely dependent on the number of MPs.
“I am not saying that numbers are unimportant, but the role and quality of the opposition are more significant. For example, during the Panchayat era, although all members were Panch, Rupchandra Bista would strongly raise people’s issues alone. His speeches often compelled everyone to pay attention with strong ideological interventions,” said Rajendra Maharjan.
“If public issues are raised in a focused manner, even a small number of opposition members can pressure the ruling party,” Maharjan explained.
CPN leader Pun also mentioned that despite their lower numbers, they will not be weak on the agenda.
Congress’s KC stated that working within democratic structures allows for government cooperation, which they expect. “If an alternative to democracy is sought, then not only numbers but the people are important,” he added.
They have also expressed a desire that there be no splits within the ruling party in the near future.
“We do not hold the traditional view that the opposition must oppose the government no matter what it does. We will move forward based on merits and faults,” KC said.
UML leader Aryal stated that her party will remain honest and accountable in serving the national interest.
‘Alertness’ is Necessary
Despite a significant reduction in numbers compared to the past, opposition parties affirm they will fulfill their expected democratic roles.
“The Nepali people have chosen new powers, and we have accepted that. If they do not meet public expectations, we will warn on behalf of the people,” Pun said.
“There are expectations of employment generation, good governance, economic growth, and balanced international relations. If these do not materialize, warnings are necessary.”
UML leader Padma Aryal explained she will take on the role of guiding the government back on the ‘right track’ when it goes off course.
“Development and prosperity are our goals and agenda. While addressing people’s aspirations, we will keep the government alert based on principles of equality,” she said.
The House of Representatives formed from the election held on 21 Falgun is expected to convene its first session soon.
The Election Commission is set to submit the formal report of the election results to the President within the week. Subsequently, the formation of the new government and the parliamentary session will be called, where the roles of the ruling party and opposition will become clearer.
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