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By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel

Just recently, one of my friends on social media shared a link to a video, strongly suggesting that I watch it without any ado. The video had a caption, “Look at the competency of our lawmakers.” Very often, I overlook such links, thinking they are a scam. However, the caption of the video caught my attention, compelling me to click the link and watch the video.

The video was about our lawmaker, Amrita Devi Agrahari, serving as the temporary presiding member on the July 23, session of the House of Representatives. The lawmaker, in the video, was seen struggling to read and speak in Nepali, raising the question over her efficiency as a lawmaker. The video went viral on social media quickly and drew widespread criticism from the public and political commentators. Many question how someone unable to fluently use the national language could effectively chair parliamentary proceedings. This is truly a genuine question and needs a convincing explanation.

The latest episode of a lawmaker struggling to read the national language is not the first of its kind. Over the years, we have witnessed several lawmakers unable to pronounce and read many words in Nepali. The incumbent Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, was trolled by the netizens for her inability to read Nepali efficiently in the parliament. They questioned how one could reach a position of lawmaker without even being able to read and write the national language.

The number of such incompetent and incapable lawmakers in our House of Representatives is innumerable. From the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Centre to fringe parties, our parliament is endowed with such stooges. Some are contractors cum, mediocre turned politicians, while many come from criminal backgrounds, having tainted images. Some are even murder convicts. When parliament is filled with such politicians, one should not be surprised to witness such incidents insulting the very essence of parliament.

In any functioning democracy, the speaker has a very important role in forcing lawmakers to uphold the constitution. The speaker helps in creating an environment where dissenting voices are tabled in an appropriate manner and addressed amicably. This calls for a combination of dexterity and prudence on the part of the speaker, ensuring a smooth parliamentary proceeding. But this is not the case in our context. Our many speakers—be it present or past—of the parliament are devoid of these traits, partially, if not fully.

I would not do justice if I just highlighted the weaknesses of our speaker of the parliament, ignoring the lawmakers. Just Google “mockery of Nepali parliament,” and we will find innumerable pages talking about how our lawmakers obstruct parliament, restricting the smooth parliamentary proceedings. We will also find the videos in which our lawmakers are seen verbally and physically assaulting each other, giving the impression of a Hollywood action movie. Seeing this, one can easily say that this is nothing but a reflection of their immorality, illiteracy, and barbarism. In plain words, we are making a mockery of the parliament.

Across the globe, the lawmakers possess strong political backgrounds with untainted images. They have vibrant academic credentials and a substantial professional background. They have a vision and commitment to work for the betterment of the country and its beleaguered people. Furthermore, they are accountable to the people. Their ability to transform the challenges into opportunities even during the critical period makes them the darlings of the masses. Conversely, in Nepal, the lawmakers possess neither substantial academic credentials nor professional backgrounds. They are unaccountable to the people and non-transparent. They lack moral and ethical integrity. Their only intention is to make hay when the sun shines.

Many attributes exist in the political culture for the pathetic stage of the parliament. They argue that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can become a lawmaker provided he/she offer a huge amount of money as a donation to the party. The party do not see whether the aspirants possess a political background, required experience, and education. What matters to them is money. Anyone who offers a handsome financial contribution to the party is inducted into it. This is what is happening in Nepal at present.

This is the reason why we have not been able to transform our country even a decade after the promulgation of what we call the most inclusive constitution. The economy is stagnant. The public institutions are almost dysfunctional, losing citizens faith and trust. The grave violation of human rights, abuse of authority, high-voltage scam, and corruption are on display, calling for urgent heed.

The recent incident has reignited debates on the qualifications and preparedness of elected representatives. The shameful incident has also re-triggered a debate that elected representatives need to be competent and qualified to hold any position. Given the existing situation characterised by incompetent and inefficient lawmakers in the parliament, the debate is justifiable.

We live in a country where a cab driver needs to be matriculated to drive a cab. But those who are given the mandate to run the country are not adequately educated. Some even lack the basic education. A year later, we are graduating into a developing country. This is a huge achievement in itself. However, there are questions about whether we will be able to sustain the transition. For this, we need farsighted and competent lawmakers, policymakers, and economists, among others, to transform the challenges into opportunities.

Let’s not make our parliament a subject of ridicule. This august body deserves respect. Parliament is the highest law-making institution and holds a position of significant authority and influence within the country. We hope that our politicians understand this simple truth and maintain its sanctity.