By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel We celebrated our Republic Day amidst big fanfare across the country the other day. This day marks the historic moment that heralded a new chapter in Nepal’s political history by formally bidding adieu to nearly two and a half-century-old monarchy and giving birth to the new republican system in which people are sovereign and supreme to chart out their destiny. It was on May 29, 2008, when the first sitting of the constituent assembly declared Nepal the Federal Republic abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy. Since then, we have been celebrating Republic Day paying tribute to martyrs who laid their lives to ensure that their next generations will see a prosperous Nepal. Needless to mention, Nepal was under monarchial rule for more than two centuries. The people were governed by some handpicked elites who never understood the nerve of the people. This ignited resentment among the people and raised the voice for the formation of a constituent assembly and abolition of the monarchy. After decades of democratic struggles, the king was finally overthrown in 2008 paving the avenues for the dawn of new Nepal. It was a historic moment and people hailed the political parties that, irrespective of their political ideology, came under one banner and ousted the monarchy regime. There was euphoria among people thinking that leaders will represent them and will look after their day to day problems. And this was not too much to ask for. Shockingly, there has been no respite for the people. While the nation has been ushered into a federal republic, the mentality and mindset of the leaders have not changed. People still struggle to mere survival with no sign of relenting. What is even worse is the fact that successive governments after the country declared a republic have been keeping people in dark telling them that better days will arrive soon. What a masterstroke strategy from the leaders of successive governments post comprehensive peace accord. We bid farewell to one dynasty's rule with the hope of seeing a prosperous Nepal where there will be no inequality based on caste, color, creed and geographical background But it seems we bid adieu to one rule only to witness an advent of another dynasty of sorts in new republican set-up. What a fatal blow to the aspirations of people! Across the globe, the democratically elected leaders represent the people of their constituency and speak on their behalf. People do not have to worry when they have elected leaders who represent them. Conversely in Nepal, the leaders embrace all possible strategies to woo the voters to vote for them. They sell all lofty and airy promises. But it is shameful and disgusting to note that they do not care about their voters soon after winning the election let alone their promise and commitment. What a pity! Though the country has been transformed politically, the leaders are yet to change themselves in line with the changed political context. They temper with democratic norms and values they came through and nurtured. They manipulate and define laws for their personal advantage. Their self-centred attitude and passion for power have only put the gains and achievement of several democratic struggles at high risk. If we gauge the perception of the people, we will find that they are dissatisfied with the leaders of all parties. They will also not hesitate to say that the present political system is no different than the erstwhile party less panchayat system. We have leaders who have transformed into an authoritarian supported by the two-thirds majority equation. As a thinking being, the people disapprove of dissent and disagrees with the policy of the ruling government. This makes the nation stronger and not weaker. On the contrary, the opponents of the government’s flawed policy are viewed as enemies who are likely to be intimidated by unidentified groups. Right now, there is growing resentment among the people. The reason is not big. It is very simple. There is poor governance giving rise to pervasive corruption. Basic health and education are denied to a larger section of the population. Inequality is rife and people are struggling to meet both ends. The rights and entitlements and services catered by the government institutions are enjoyed by some elites while the majority of the populations mainly the vulnerable, deprived and downtrodden, are still underprivileged As things stand now, one can say that we have miserably failed to cash in on the gains and achievements of our past several democratic struggles. We can also conclude that the leaders of all parties have failed to rise above their partisan interests and work for the broader interest of the nation and people. Our aspirations for better days are still alive and we hope the leaders learning from their past mistakes, setback and failures, will work in the true spirit of service. This will be a true tribute to our martyrs who laid their lives just to emancipate the people.