News Summary
- The election on Falgun 21 has placed Nepali Congress in a challenging situation, creating a scenario where it must compete with the new liberal party, Rastriya Swatantra Party.
- As the influence of communist ideology declines, voters are increasingly prioritizing liberal and democratic options, reflecting significant political shifts in Nepal.
- The Congress needs to assume a mentoring role guiding emerging parties towards democracy and strengthening liberal dominance.
The results of the Falgun 21 elections and the consequent changes in power dynamics represent not just an ordinary political event but a disruption of Nepal’s seven-decade-long traditional political landscape. This impact is expected to last for at least two decades. The outcome has placed Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest democratic force, at a historic crossroads requiring deep reflection.
Within the parliamentary setting where Congress has become a minority, intense debate and pressure inside the party will determine Nepal’s future political trajectory. The recently expressed view of leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala — “Yesterday, fighting with leftists was easier; today, competition with liberal democrats is more challenging” — vividly demonstrates shifts not only within Congress but throughout Nepal’s political sociology.
It appears Congress is now recognizing the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a competitor. This is not merely an electoral defeat but signals that Nepalese politics has transitioned from ideological battles to contests of efficient governance. Recognizing this, Congress must focus on how to secure and strengthen the growing liberal dominance instead of viewing declining votes negatively.
Signs of Liberation from Communist Roots
Nepal’s political history has long been shaped by communist-led class and collective consciousness rooted in anti-establishment sentiments. Rage against injustice and discrimination largely centered on leftist slogans. With communists traditionally receiving high votes, a substantial portion of society was considered influenced by leftist ideologies.
However, the recent election results have weakened this traditional leftist stronghold. As political scientist Francis Fukuyama argues in his book The End of History and the Last Man, liberal democracy represents the final phase of mankind’s ideological evolution. This appears validated by voters choosing a new, technology-friendly, dynamic liberal party over communist aggression. Vote shifts from Congress to emerging liberal parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party symbolize a significant democratic achievement.
Drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony—where an ideology becomes sustainable once it enters common social consciousness—Nepal’s current political shift is expanding liberal democratic awareness. With the combined vote shares of Congress and Rastriya Swatantra Party amounting to two-thirds, liberal democratic dominance is rising, delivering a substantial blow to communist factions. Leftist leaders increasingly identify the alliance of liberals and democrats as their greatest challenge.
During the first parliamentary session, CPN-UML’s parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa expressed concern over “new reactionaries emerging under the protection of Western powers threatening the country’s achievements,” reflecting the defensive posture of communists today.
Congress’s commitment to institutional decorum and respect for rule of law sets a positive example for new parties. While questions against Congress leaders like Balkrishna Khan were met with a respectful response without street protests, demonstrations erupted over cases involving leaders like Ravi Lamichhane and CPN-UML, highlighting Congress’s practice of institutional restraint.
Attempts by communist factions to revert to old class struggle rhetoric fail to resonate, as evidenced by the electoral outcome which effectively rejects outdated ideological frameworks. Congress President Gagan Thapa notably regards Congress not as a museum preserving past achievements but as a laboratory for new ideas. This optimistic stance embraces the rise of new political forces as opportunities for reform rather than threats.
The welcoming of sociopolitical change internally within Congress, especially through youth leadership’s acceptance of the expanding liberal space, is key to permanently overcoming the oppositional discourse dominated by communists. Parliamentary leaders from both Rastriya Swatantra Party and Congress have emphasized mutual respect and responsibility, illustrating a reliable balance between the two parties.
Congress’s Responsibility: A Mentoring Role
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Balendra Shah who now serves as Prime Minister, occupies a central position in Nepali politics—a unique development. Yet, popularity alone carries risks of sliding towards elected authoritarianism or “soft dictatorship.” When a leader places personal popularity above state institutions and legal processes, democracy itself is endangered.
In this context, Congress’s role gains immense importance. The Rastriya Swatantra Party comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Congress must leverage its parliamentary experience to unify these divergent elements under shared democratic values and culture.
Congress’s demonstration of institutional discipline and respect for procedures serves as a crucial lesson for emerging parties. For instance, Congress respected judicial decisions without staging protests in sensitive cases, unlike protests that erupted concerning other parties’ leaders.
The essential teaching Congress must impart is the value of “institutional patience.” Just as red dye stains other fabrics, Congress’s democratic values and tolerance should permeate into the Rastriya Swatantra Party. As former British Prime Minister Tony Blair modernized and liberalized the Labour Party through the “Third Way,” Congress too must become a mentor to transform the Rastriya Swatantra Party from a critic into a responsible democratic force.
Some may fear that aiding the Rastriya Swatantra Party might weaken Congress’s competitive position; however, it is crucial first to create a broad space for liberal democrats before engaging in fierce competition. Had communist dominance or authoritarianism continued to control the political landscape, both Congress and the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s existence would be at risk.
Congress must now abandon divisions and embrace the historic role of guardian over liberal dominance, ensuring progress for both itself and Nepal’s democracy.
Therefore, expanding liberal dominance is the present priority. Healthy competition and genuine development emerge only when democratic culture flourishes and the rule of law strengthens. Safeguarding the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a democratic entity against authoritarian threats will be Congress’s greatest triumph. Only then will Nepal’s politics shed communist roots and enter a new era.
Diplomatic Rebalancing
The formation of a new government under Balendra Shah’s leadership and the ascendancy of liberal democratic forces have generated enthusiasm among democrats worldwide. This shift has been positively received by global powers, restoring balance to Nepal’s historically uneven diplomatic relations. Numerous countries have extended congratulations and support, injecting fresh energy into diplomatic circles.
Countries such as the United States, India, and members of the European Union have expressed confidence that Nepal’s emergence of liberal powers will lead to greater transparency and predictability in the country’s future. This presents a historic opportunity to recalibrate Nepal’s diplomatic stance.
Regarding China, liberal dominance holds particular significance. China has consistently prioritized Nepal’s stability and security. While some misconceptions suggest that only communist parties maintain close ties with China, in reality, only open, transparent, and liberal democracies can address China’s long-term interests institutionally.
Communist governments face risks of internal conflict and factionalism which may destabilize external relations. Conversely, a strong democratic government can balance neighborly relations in the state’s best interest. For China, stable and prosperous neighbors represent the best security guarantee. The synergy between the Balendra Shah government and Congress’s support is set to elevate Nepal’s international credibility.
A Test for Congress in Securing Liberal Dominance
The establishment of liberal dominance in Nepal marks a new chapter in its politics. Regardless of where votes shift, as long as democratic values are maintained, the country moves toward prosperity. If Congress fails to transfer its experience, political refinement, and dignity to new forces, the political instability and economic challenges that have persisted for years will continue.
Congress must now choose to cease internal strife and become the protector of liberal dominance. This decision is pivotal for the progress of both Congress and Nepal’s democracy. The broader the space for liberal democracy, the stronger and healthier the competition, which paves the way for real development and prosperity. Protecting the Rastriya Swatantra Party as a democratic entity and shielding it from authoritarian threats will be Congress’s primary achievement.
This path alone will enable Nepal’s politics to break free from communist roots and usher in a new, modern era. Moving forward, cultural transfer and preservation of democratic values should take precedence over power struggles. The satisfaction expressed by democrats worldwide and diplomatic circles affirms that a new chapter of prosperity is beginning for Nepal.
