People’s frustration

The Himalayan Times

21 July 2022

People’s frustration

Political changes in some parts of the globe are disturbing and worrisome, considering the social and economic impacts being faced by the common people. The visual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and bad governance are among other factors destabilizing nation, resulting in the collapse of the government. Growing dissatisfaction among the people towards the performance of their governments, who failed to address their hardships, could be disastrous for the democratically-elected government. That was what happened in Sri Lanka where the highly influential leaders, who were democratically elected and responsible for running the government, undermined the accumulated frustration of the common people over the last one decade, resulting in thousands of people coming out to the streets to express their frustration.  

Crises like these do not just happen overnight, they are the result of decades of mal-governance by leaders who neglect the needs of citizens. Nepal does not seem to be politically different from Sri Lanka where the elected leaders and government have failed to serve the nation and the people. The people in Nepal will have a unique opportunity during the upcoming provincial and federal elections to find leaders who will take the country forward. By electing many independent candidates in the recently held local elections, the people have given a clear message to the senior leaders of major political parties to correct their ways of doing politics, otherwise, be ready to face the consequences.   

The growing trade deficit, unstable prices of petroleum products, depleting foreign currency reserves, growing volume of foreign debt and interest, slow post-Covid recovery, the strong US dollar and high commodity prices are the visible factors behind the looming economic crisis in Nepal. The recent incident involving the entry of two outsiders into the finance ministry, unavailability of chemical fertilizer and sky-rocketing market prices of daily consumable and non-consumable commodities might take an unwanted turn for the coalition government, which might trigger the growing frustration in the common people towards social disharmony and political disaster. If the government and the policymakers fail to actively monitor the economic situation of the country and take timely actions, the chances of Nepal facing a political crisis similar to that of Sri Lankan cannot be ruled out.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj