Why Nepal’s Senior Leaders Must Step Aside

Nepalis seem to have a peculiar trait: everyone aspires to lead, and once they reach the top, they refuse to let go. This is evident in the staggering 122 political parties registered with the Election Commission, with countless more informal outfits waiting in the wings. Nearly every professional group—from students to university professors—has its own union, all tied to a political party. Even the Nepali diaspora abroad mirrors these partisan divisions. Nepal is a country where governments change frequently and rarely endure, yet the same handful of senior leaders continue rotating in a never-ending game of musical chairs.