Kathmandu, Dec. 4
We must envision democracy as not
merely a political framework but also a social system—one that upholds the
dignity of every individual, inspires a sense of boundless potential, and
fosters an environment of safety and security for all, Prime Minister KP Sharma
Oli of Nepal said in his speech on ‘Comprehensive democracy: A journey towards Prosperous
Nepal, Happy Nepali’ delivered at the Peking University of China in Beijing on
Wednesday.
“While taking forward the ideas of democracy, debates emerged regarding
its class character, leading to the distinction between what is often termed ‘Old’
and ‘New’ democracy,” he said.
According to him, in ‘old’ democracy, a privileged class—often referred
to as the bourgeoisie—took the lead, while the toiling masses remained
subordinate throughout the process of political transformation, while the ‘new’
democracy in contrast saw the working class take the forefront, collaborating
with oppressed and exploited groups from various strata of society.
He informed the students and
academicians there that for much of its history, Nepalis endured autocracy,
with no opportunity to participate in governance.
“Nepal's journey
to political transformation stands as a unique model in global history. Unlike
many movements worldwide, where political struggles were predominantly led by
parties representing a single class, Nepal's political revolution was a
collaborative effort, uniting representatives from competing classes,” stated
PM Oli.
He said that Nepal’s political history is unique in
the sense that both major
political forces—Left leaning and the Right leaning— when they divide, monarchy usurps more power; yet, when united, they have
consistently succeeded in subduing autocracy and advancing people’s freedom.
“Guided by the
philosophy of Marxism, and under the visionary leadership of the People's
Leader Madan Bhandari, my party developed the principle of People's Multi-Party
Democracy (PMD),” he said while talking about his political party – CPN (UML),
and added that this doctrine represented a creative application of Marxist
ideals, tailored to Nepal’s unique historical, and socio-political context.
According to him, the PMD consists
of synthesis of three key dimensions of the people's struggles in Nepal:
patriotism, social change, and democracy. While advancing the idea of PMD,
people's leader, Madan Bhandari said: "Principles are for life, not life
for principles."
“This vision of comprehensive democracy embraces the political, economic,
social and cultural aspects to empower the individual and society. And all
these aspects are mutually reinforcing,” PM Oli said.
He also said that democracy cannot thrive in the
echo-chambers built by algorithms of new technology.
He said, “For us, prosperity means economic growth
with equity—ensuring a level-playing field for all, equitable access to quality
education and healthcare as fundamental rights and providing social safety nets
and empowering marginalised communities.”
Speaking on
Nepal-China relations, PM Oli said that as trusted neighbours and steadfast partners,
the two nations collaborate closely in various areas of mutual interest.
“China’s
miraculous economic development offers valuable lessons for Nepal as it embarks
on its own developmental journey,” he said.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 December 2024.
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