Collaboration key to democratic governance in Nepal: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 5: We must envision democracy as not merely a political framework but also a social system—one that upholds the dignity of every individual, inspires a sense of boundless potential, and fosters an environment of safety and security for all, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal said in his speech on ‘Comprehensive democracy: A journey towards Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ delivered at the Peking University of China in Beijing on Wednesday. 

“While taking forward the ideas of democracy, debates emerged regarding its class character, leading to the distinction between what is often termed ‘Old’ and ‘New’ democracy,” he said. 

According to him, in ‘old’ democracy, a privileged class—often referred to as the bourgeoisie—took the lead, while the toiling masses remained subordinate throughout the process of political transformation, while the ‘new’ democracy in contrast saw the working class take the forefront, collaborating with oppressed and exploited groups from various strata of society.

He informed the students and academicians there that for much of its history, Nepalis endured autocracy, with no opportunity to participate in governance.

“Nepal's journey to political transformation stands as a unique model in global history. Unlike many movements worldwide, where political struggles were predominantly led by parties representing a single class, Nepal's political revolution was a collaborative effort, uniting representatives from competing classes,” stated PM Oli. 

He said that Nepal’s political history is unique in the sense that both major political forces—Left leaning and the Right leaning— when they divide, monarchy usurps more power; yet, when united, they have consistently succeeded in subduing autocracy and advancing people’s freedom.

“Guided by the philosophy of Marxism, and under the visionary leadership of the People's Leader Madan Bhandari, my party developed the principle of People's Multi-Party Democracy (PMD),” he said while talking about his political party – CPN (UML), and added that this doctrine represented a creative application of Marxist ideals, tailored to Nepal’s unique historical, and socio-political context.

According to him, the PMD consists of synthesis of three key dimensions of the people's struggles in Nepal: patriotism, social change, and democracy. While advancing the idea of PMD, people's leader, Madan Bhandari said: "Principles are for life, not life for principles."

“This vision of comprehensive democracy embraces the political, economic, social and cultural aspects to empower the individual and society. And all these aspects are mutually reinforcing,” PM Oli said. He also said that democracy cannot thrive in the echo-chambers built by algorithms of new technology. 

He said, “For us, prosperity means economic growth with equity—ensuring a level-playing field for all, equitable access to quality education and healthcare as fundamental rights and providing social safety nets and empowering marginalised communities.”

Speaking on Nepal-China relations, PM Oli said that as trusted neighbours and steadfast partners, the two nations collaborate closely in various areas of mutual interest.  

“China’s miraculous economic development offers valuable lessons for Nepal as it embarks on its own developmental journey,” he said.