The old guard is forming coalitions, again. When will they change?

The public recognises that traditional parties are pursuing a ‘survival strategy’ by opting for coalitions.

Dismantling the power that had rotated among septuagenarian leaders of the traditional parties, Nepalis delivered one of the strongest anti-establishment verdicts in the country’s democratic history through the March 5 snap polls. Yet those parties seem hell-bent on resisting change. As agreed when the coalitions were originally formed, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML are trying to reshuffle provincial governments by sharing power. Currently, the Congress leads four provinces: Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim, and it is now digging in its heels to retain power there. Meanwhile, the UML leads the remaining three: Koshi, Lumbini and Karnali, and hopes to take the helm there. The Nepali Communist Party is also keeping a keen eye on Sudurpaschim Province. Except for Madhesh Province, restructured a few months ago, the other provinces will likely see new chief ministers and a new coalition. However, this signals a troubling return to the same culture that the country’s young people protested against last September.