Kathmandu : Prime Minister Sushila Karki has asserted that the government has mobilized its full strength in an effort to conduct the March 5 election to the House of Representatives in a free, fair, impartial, peaceful and fear-free environment, aiming to open a door to a new era of sustainable democratic stability in the country.

PM Karki delivered the statement while addressing a special ceremony organized today at the Army Pavilion at Tundikhel, Kathmandu marking the National Democracy Day-208 BS.

During her address, the Head of the Government expressed her confidence that the parliament and government to be formed after this election will further advance the democratic system making it more dynamic, result-oriented and accountable to the people.

Karki argued that a strong democracy does not suppress discontent; rather, it embraces as an opportunity to reform.

“Democracy should not be viewed merely as a technical change in the form of governance. In fact, it is a way of life which must be reflected in everything from of expression on the internet to the price of vegetables cooked in the kitchen,” observed the PM.

The Septuagenarian leader articulated that democracy is not just about procedures; it must deliver results.

While emphasizing that the rule of law is essential, she mentioned that keeping citizens entangled in the name of ‘endless’ processes and subjecting them to delays, harassment and distress in the name of procedure does not constitute the practice of democracy.

“It is rather mis-governance,” she underlined.
Below is the full text of PM Karki’s address;
Address by the Rt. Hon.

Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of Nepal
Right Honourable President,
Right Honourable Vice-President,
Right Honourable Chief Justice,
Right Honourable Chairperson of the National Assembly,
Honourable Ministers,
Honourable Vice-Chairperson and Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
Distinguished Dignitaries,
Heads and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions,
People’s Representatives from Provinces and Local Governments,
Government Officials,
The youth with a strong urge for change,
Friends from Media,
All Nepali Sisters and Brothers residing Home and Abroad,
Greetings.

First of all, on the occasion of the 76th Democracy Day of Nepal, I would like to pay my heartfelt tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their invaluable lives in the movements and struggles held in different times in history to overthrow the autocratic Rana Oligarchy and to establish democracy with people’s rights, freedom, good governance and equitable development.

The Revolution of 2007 BS (1951 AD) was not a mere change of regime. It was the promulgation of the self-esteem, rights and dignity of the Nepali people. The 7th of Falgun (18 February) that year was a historic day that transformed us from subjects into sovereign citizens.

The foundation of today’s Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is indeed the political revolution of 2007 BS (1951 AD). Therefore, we gather here today to celebrate and commemorate that historic day.

While celebrating Democracy Day, we must introspect—
Why were the gains of 2007 BS (1951 AD) taken away in 2017 BS (1960 AD)?
Why did the people have to take to the streets again in 2036 BS, 2046 BS, 2062/63 BS, and once more in 2082 (2025 AD)?
Why, this time, did even members of Generation Z feel compelled to raise their voices, undeterred by bullets?
The answer is obvious:

We chanted the slogans of democracy and inscribed beautifully crafted words in the Constitution, yet we did not institutionalize democratic practice and culture, nor did we wish to.

We embraced democracy in principle, yet in practice, we continued to foster discrimination. We wrote equality into the Constitution; yet within our structures, we went on preserving inequality.

The cycle whereby a single group continues to dominate power, monopolize resources, and wield control over state structures has never truly come to an end.

Such distortions erode trust in the state system and give rise to rebellion. That is precisely what happened here.

Let us recall the arbitrariness in budget distribution. Let us scrutinize the list of those who have benefited preferentially from the proportional electoral system.

Look at the manipulation done in scholarships and employment opportunities. What else could arise, if not a rebellion?
The spirit of democracy withers away when the common person is neglected, where marginalized citizens are humiliated and where those intoxicated by power continue their lavish lifestyles and dominance.

Moreover, democracy simply cannot survive by perpetuating injustice, discrimination and exclusion against the marginalized, disadvantaged and deprived communities.

The movement led by Gen-Z youths on the 8th and 9th of September was a question directed at the structures that failed to hear the grievances of the people. That movement sought an end to corruption, nepotism and discrimination. It sought good governance and equitable justice. The State must respond to this not only with generosity, but also with humility and a deep sense of duty.

A strong democracy does not suppress discontent; it embraces it as an opportunity for reform. Cultivating such a culture is therefore the need of the hour.

Democracy today should not be viewed merely as a technical change in the form of governance. In fact, it is a way of life, which must be reflected in everything from freedom of expression on the internet to the price of vegetables cooked in the kitchen.

Lofty ideals of democracy mean little to parents who spend years working in the scorching heat of the Gulf, separated from their children, simply to make ends meet. When one cannot pay the hospital bills during illness, cannot provide a good education due to lack of money; what use then is the system and what use are its slogans?

It is long overdue that we assess the true worth of the system we have brought about in light of these everyday realities.

The true reflection of democracy must not be sought elsewhere; it should be seen in the joyful smiles that light up the faces of ordinary people and in the carefree sleep they are able to enjoy each night.

I wish to state clearly that no nation can remain peaceful by discarding its youth. Young people possess energy, a moral sense of indignation, and a deep aspiration for change. They do not tolerate nepotism, favouritism and corruption. A nation can only move forward by addressing that discontent, not by suppressing it.

Democracy is not just about procedure. Democracy must deliver results. The rule of law is essential; yet to entangle citizens in endless processes, to subject them to delay, harassment and distress in the name of procedure, is not the practice of democracy. It is misgovernance.

This government formed in the aftermath of the events of 8 and 9 September last year has taken the voice of the people’s movement with utmost seriousness. Our efforts are directed toward transforming good governance, transparency, equitable justice and accountability into practice.

However, you are equally aware that the foremost mandate of the Government is to restore peace and public order by normalising the prevailing exceptional circumstances, and to create a robust environment conducive to hold elections within a short span of time.

The main challenges confronting our democracy are corruption, the domination of resources by a limited class of people and impunity. I have come to the conclusion that these are also the primary factors why a large number of young people are migrating, leaving our villages empty.

But no one should take comfort in the emigration of young people who raise their voices for accountability. Let every ruler be warned: they are ready to endure hardship, but they will not tolerate injustice, humiliation or contempt. If future leaders continue to demean and despise the youth, another rebellion will be inevitable.

In Nepal’s electoral history, the first democratic election began on Falgun 7, 2015 BS, a historic fact known to us all. Therefore, today is not only Democracy Day but also Election Day.

And coincidentally, this year as well, the election for members of the House of Representatives is going to be held in the month of Fagun. We have devoted all our energy to holding this election in free, fair, peaceful and fear-free environment, and to opening the door to a new era of enduring democratic stability in the country.

The election will be held on the scheduled date in a secure, fear-free and credible environment. I am confident that the Parliament and Government formed after this election will further advance the democratic system, making it more dynamic, result-oriented and accountable to the people.

Finally, may this day inspire us to foster a culture of principled politics, accountable governance and prosperity grounded in social justice. May our nation become a common home for all its citizens, a home founded on equal opportunity and mutual respect.

I once again pay my heartfelt tribute to the great martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy. I also extend my sincere wishes for the swift recovery of those who were injured.

I express my gratitude to intellectuals, civil society, Gen Z youth, and all democracy-loving citizens.

I also appeal to everyone to join hands to unite in realizing the dream of a prosperous and just Nepal envisioned by all those brave heroes of various movements.