Respecting the Mandate, Practising Accountability
Editorial
The parliamentary election gave the Rastriya Swatantra Party a clear majority in the House of Representatives. This mandate offers the government an opportunity to work, but it also places a great responsibility on its shoulders. A majority can make decision-making easier, but it does not relieve the government of its duty to remain accountable to Parliament and the people. The government must honour the people’s vote for change through its work, transparency and results.
As the government approaches six months in office, political debate is once again focusing on the roles of the streets and Parliament. Reports say opposition parties are preparing to launch protests against the government after Chhath. Criticising the government and holding peaceful protests are democratic rights. But the purpose of any movement should be to present clear alternatives on people’s livelihoods, good governance and national interests, not merely to destabilise the government. An effective opposition is measured not by slogans, but by evidence-based scrutiny and its ability to represent people’s concerns.
The government, too, cannot dismiss public discontent as political opposition. Answering questions raised in Parliament, explaining the basis for policy decisions and listening to citizens’ grievances are essential practices of democratic governance. A strong majority makes the government more accountable, because it must also answer for the success or failure of its decisions. Parliament is not merely a forum for securing support for the government; it is a representative institution responsible for holding the executive to account.
The main test of national politics today is not the exchange of accusations between the government and opposition, but whether people’s lives are improving. Clear plans and measurable progress are needed on employment, inflation, agriculture, education, health, corruption control and post-disaster reconstruction. The people have heard promises of good governance; now they must experience more accessible public services, transparency in public spending and fairness in the distribution of opportunities.
Political parties should keep the door open to dialogue on issues of shared national interest. Treating criticism of the government as hostility, or opposition protests as anti-state activity, deepens mistrust. Parties may disagree on the Constitution, national sovereignty, social justice and civil rights, but they should seek solutions through dialogue, Parliament and legal processes. Listening to the public’s voice on the streets and protecting the dignity of Parliament are responsibilities shared by all sides.
The people’s mandate is not the government’s property; it is a responsibility entrusted to it by the public. The opposition’s role is not simply to obstruct the government, but also to support sound decisions and challenge shortcomings. This moment in national politics calls on both sides to show restraint, accountability and a commitment to work. The government should earn trust through results; the opposition should demonstrate its purpose through constructive criticism and clear alternatives. This is the path that can lead national politics towards stability and public trust.
