Citizens’ manifesto

The Citizens’ Movement has called for freedom from political regression and justice for the marginalised.

The Supreme Court has reversed the political regression that KP Oli, the prime minister, had begun by unconstitutionally dissolving Parliament on December 20, 2020. The Supreme Court deserves thanks for doing its duty and playing by the book. It has also put to rest all the rumours that had been floating around among Nepalis, even the educated ones, about various kinds of ‘settings’. The rumours began because, in the past, Nepal’s rulers had been wayward and very often violated democratic norms and constitutionality. The Supreme Court has also reversed its own past by supporting the constitution. So, democracy-loving Nepalis are rightly rejoicing this decision. Oli’s penchant for proverbs may not cease altogether, but may not grab headlines from now on. The Parliament will reconvene, the violators may be punished and a new prime minister may be elected, but the fundamental questions the Citizens’ Movement has raised to realise full democracy will remain to be addressed.