Unfinished Democratic Journey Of Nepal

As we celebrate Constitution Day today, it is important for all Nepali citizens to pause and reflect on what our history has been, where we are now and where we need to head. The current Constitution, adopted in 2015, transformed Nepal into a federal democratic republic. At present, the government is taking forward a process to amend the Constitution. Before doing so, however, it is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses and the impact any amendment could have on the country. One of its biggest strengths is the provision of equal rights and access for all citizens through a federal republic. If amendments are needed, they should strengthen the implementation of people's rights and ensure freedom of the press, without which there can be no democracy. If people are still unable to access their rights because of their gender or marginalised situation, or if press freedom is curtailed in the name of sovereignty or individual privacy, such provisions should be amended. Before amending the Constitution, however, let us understand our history and recognise the strengths of what we have achieved.