Political movements in Nepal led to clashes, deaths and resignation. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, several days of political movements carried out in Kathmandu and several other cities led to the resignation of KP Sharma Oli —the prime minister of Nepal— and killed more than 20 demonstrators over widespread allegations of corruption aggravated after a social media ban. A nationwide curfew is in place after protesters, led by the nation’s young people, stormed parliament and set fire to the homes of several politicians including former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. But it remains unclear whether and how much this will address concerns and lead to improvements in Nepal.
Though the Prime Minister stepped down which increased the possibility of stability, there are political and other challenges, along with corruption, that can increase the chance of political turmoil in Nepal, where instability has been going on for years and there have been 14 governments since 2008. The demonstrators, probably inspired by anti-government outbursts in several other countries including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that led to the ouster of the governments, are still continuing their activities as they believe that their movements have been hijacked. But because of the lack of central leadership since the movement was led by a number of youth collectives who have emerged as a mobilizing force, and several other reasons, the movement may not go far.
Corruption is a widespread problem in Nepal — a federal democratic republic — that affects public services, the judiciary, the civil service, and the private sector, with citizens routinely paying bribes for basic services. Corruption takes various forms, including political and bureaucratic graft, embezzlement of public funds, and systematic human trafficking linked to corruption in areas like airport immigration that impact the development and other activities in Nepal. Additionally, the freedom of speech is rendered not as desired, though the right of freedom of speech is acknowledged in the constitution, which was promulgated on September 20, 2015. The latest movement by young groups identified as Gen Z was also sparked by the government’s ban on social media.
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Economic inequality and political problems are notable in Nepal. Economic inequalities especially income and wealth gaps are high. The richest 10 percent hold vastly more wealth than the poorest 40 percent, though the situation has somewhat improved during the last several years including during the tenure of KP Sharma Oli especially on economic and several other grounds. The political system in Nepal, which was once characterized by a highly factionalized party system but which later seen some improvements since the 2015 constitutional change, has contributed to past political instability and transitional justice mechanisms and failed to bring the desired outcomes, despite potentials. Political instability, which was characterized by frequent government collapses and coalition changes, hindered desirable outcomes.
But hopefully saying, the military and others have been taking efforts to bring the situation under control and improve the conditions — especially after the resignation of the Prime Minister. Many of those who have supported the protest including Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan city, have also been making social media appeals for restraint. But measures are vital to bring peace and stability in Nepal immediately. For this, the appointment of a new prime minister is vital immediately. Holding talks among the parties including political parties and demonstrators will be helpful. But the good intentions of all the parties are vital.
But it is also vital to address other concerns of demonstrators including inequality and corruption in Nepal, along with ensuring increased media freedom. Without these, the desirable improvements are unlikely, even if the prime minister resigned in the movement. Carrying out economic and other reforms with the aim to addressing corruption and reducing wealth gaps through several ways including improving economic access to different groups including marginalized groups and promoting fair wages will be helpful.
