President Paudel Emphasizes Strengthening Democracy Through Respect for Dissent and Accountability

Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Paudel has stated that democracy can be strengthened only by establishing a culture of respecting dissent, learning from criticism, and making the state accountable to the people. He expressed this view while addressing a special ceremony organized at the President's Office on Saturday on the occasion of Constitution Day 2083. 'Only if we can establish a culture of respecting dissent, learning from criticism, and making the state accountable to the people will democracy be strengthened,' Paudel said, 'The resolutions that the constitution seeks to establish will be fulfilled.' He called for a resolve to implement the constitution in the lives of citizens, not just in speeches. He stated that the true meaning of the constitution will be understood only on the day when no Nepali has to plead with the state for justice, dignity, and a secure future. Paudel clarified that good governance and excellent service delivery in practice are necessary to connect political changes with the lives of citizens. He said that changes in the governing structure alone will not fulfill the expectations of the era. 'Which can instill hope in citizens. No state can succeed by keeping citizens in despair,' he added, 'nor can the system succeed.' He pointed out that to confirm political change through practice, it is necessary to bring about a change in the character of state power, political integrity, and values. Paudel expressed confidence that this day will instill a sense of responsibility in political parties, leadership, the government, and the entire state power to become more democratic, just, and result-oriented. Paudel reminded that the constitution is not just a collection of words or sentences written on paper, but a common pledge of citizens' dreams, hopes, and rights. 'Its importance is revealed when the state stands with the cry of the citizens,' he said, 'when the government becomes a servant of the people and justice becomes the main goal of the state.' He emphasized the need to create a situation where no Nepali feels alone and alienated in their own country. He argued that only a responsible, transparent, and result-oriented government can establish the supremacy of the citizens. He clarified that the promises of the constitution will not be fulfilled without breaking the traditional character of structural dividends and ensuring equal rights, social justice, and prosperity for all. Paudel said that Constitution Day should be taken as a day of self-reflection along with the pain of disaster. He mentioned that the recent disaster has taught the lesson that development is not just roads, bridges, and buildings, but also the security of people's lives, livelihoods, and futures. 'Therefore, while rebuilding, we must bring back the dreams of displaced families along with the destroyed structures,' Paudel said. He stated that development models need to be made more humane, just, and nature-friendly amidst the challenges of climate change. Paudel said that the constitution, created by the people, has given more freedom and respect in history than ever before. He mentioned that federalism, given by the constitution, is an important gift, ending the unitary and centralized system of governance. He stated that it is necessary to develop this as an essential level for the country's development. 'This constitution has given us the opportunity to build an inclusive Nepal based on pluralism,' Paudel said, 'Through this constitution, we have established the state's governing structure in a new way.' He said that a happy journey into the future will be ensured on the foundation of these great achievements. On the occasion of the completion of 11 years since the promulgation of the constitution, Paudel extended good wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad. He offered condolences to the souls of those who lost their lives and homes due to floods and natural disasters and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also expressed Nepal's condolences for the damage to the citizens of friendly nations affected by the flood of Bhadra 10. Recalling that the constitution was achieved through a struggle of seven decades, Paudel paid high respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of a democratic republic, the warriors who endured torture during the movement, and the elder leaders.