When political bickering shows no sign of an end, unified parties divide and majority governments fail to serve the full term, the general conjecture is that the country is fated to remain grounded in instability. That is the reason why the nation’s development has failed to take off and prosper. There are more than one theories that make rounds regarding the political instability in Nepal. They say that undue influence of the external forces is playing its part to keep us incapacitated to make a progress. There is yet another theory that says the undesirable divisive tendencies lie within ourselves that has exacerbated our limitations. The latter saying appears more convincing because mistrust among ourselves creates a fertile ground for divisive elements that might be active within or outside the national border.

That is the reason why a nation needs statesmen to rule and a deep sense of national unity to keep people cemented together for the broader interests of the nation. Diversity is the unique feature and beauty of Nepal and unity in diversity should be guiding principle for stability, development, peace and prosperity. When a majority left government came into being about three years ago with a solid mandate, people had high hopes of political stability, development and economic prosperity. They thought instability was going to be a thing of the past. The notable public mandate achieved in the 2017 elections was made possible from the unification of the two major left forces of the country- the then CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre. It was the testimony of the fact that unity can make unbelievable achievements. It is the vision of the top leaders that made unity possible.

It is also true that the same leaders can sometimes undo the miracles. Minor dissatisfactions and differences carry the danger of major discords. This is what happened in the NCP leadership which ultimately led to a situation of discord that nobody was in a mood to welcome. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli says that the power-centric squabbling reached such an unmanageable stage that it made some drastic move inevitable. Seeking a short-cut to power is generally unacceptable because true leaders have to face the acid test of people’s verdict. This was the guiding notion behind the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the announcement of mid-term election dates.

In the developing scenario, the nation will get, and must get, a new executive head through popular mandate. This very ethos reverberated when Home Minister and Standing Committee member of Nepal Communist Party Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal,’ the other day, said that leaders willing to become the new prime minister should not run away from the election but face the people. Leaders have to prove their mettle to lead and win the trust of the people through positive thinking, genuine policies and true commitment. The Home Minister added that it is necessary to pass through the acid tests of polls and general convention to take the top positions in the party and government. This time around, people will also seek the commitment of the leaders not to play divisive role once elected. The electorate has learned new lessons over time and emerged smarter.