On March 13, 2021, Nepal elected a new president, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, amid political uncertainty. This marks the second time Bhandari has been elected to the largely ceremonial position.
The election comes at a time when Nepal is facing major political challenges. The country has been without a functioning government since December 2020, when Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli dissolved parliament and called for early elections. The move was highly controversial, as it was seen as a power grab that would likely delay the country’s transition to a new constitution.
The election of Bhandari as president is unlikely to resolve these underlying political tensions. Bhandari is a member of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), which is currently in a coalition with Oli’s party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). However, Bhandari’s tenure as president has not been without controversy. In 2018, she was accused by some of overstepping her constitutional authority by refusing to approve a government order to appoint ambassadors.
Despite these concerns, Bhandari’s election is seen by some as a sign of stability. Nepal has a long history of political turmoil and instability, with frequent changes in government and deep-seated tensions between different political groups. In recent years, the country has been struggling to implement a new constitution that was adopted in 2015, following a decade-long civil war.
The election of a new president is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to resolving Nepal’s political crisis. The country is still in the midst of a constitutional crisis, with no clear path forward. The dissolution of parliament has been challenged in court, and there are concerns that the upcoming elections will be marred by violence and instability.
Many in Nepal are calling for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to resolving the country’s issues. Some have suggested a national unity government that would include representatives from all major political parties, as well as civil society groups and other stakeholders.
Others have called for a greater focus on economic development and improving living standards for Nepali citizens. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with a large percentage of the population living in poverty. Reducing poverty and improving access to basic services like healthcare and education are seen as key priorities for the country’s future.
The election of Bhandari as president is unlikely to resolve all of Nepal’s political and economic challenges. However, it is seen by some as a positive step towards greater stability and continuity, at a time when the country is facing significant uncertainty and upheaval.
Moving forward, Nepal will need to find a way to address the underlying political tensions that are fueling the current crisis. Whether through more inclusive governance structures, greater focus on economic development, or some other approach, it is clear that the country needs a new direction and a clear path forward.
In the short term, much will depend on the upcoming election and whether it is perceived as free and fair. A peaceful and legitimate election could help to build momentum towards a more stable and prosperous future for Nepal. However, if the election is marred by violence or allegations of fraud, it could further deepen the country’s political crisis and make a resolution more difficult to achieve.
Despite the challenges ahead, there is reason for optimism when it comes to Nepal’s future. The country is a vibrant and diverse society with a rich history and cultural heritage. With the right leadership and vision, it has the potential to overcome its current difficulties and emerge stronger than ever before.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Nepal, but for now, many are hopeful that the election of Bhandari as president will mark the beginning of a new era of stability and progress for this important country in South Asia.