Republic Day: Oli Calls for Protection of Democratic Republic

On the occasion of Republic Day, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on all stakeholders to take responsibility for safeguarding Nepal’s democratic republic, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting citizens’ rights.

In a message shared through social media, Oli wrote:

“Today marks the historic day when, exactly eighteen years ago, we Nepalis declared a republic through the Constituent Assembly elected by the people themselves.

The people had to endure more than seven decades of struggle to secure the republican right to determine their own system of governance. Thousands of pioneers sacrificed their lives in the fight for the rights to speak, write, organize, and hold political beliefs. Many others spent decades in prison, faced torture, and lived in exile.

Following immense public struggle and sacrifice, a system ruled by decree was replaced by one governed by law. In place of a government driven by the wishes of an individual, a system operated through democratic institutions and structures was established.

I pay heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and pioneers who gave their lives to establish this system of freedom for the people.

Compared to countries with a long history of republican practice, we have only a short experience with this system. Building democratic values, institutional structures, and the capacity to serve citizens within such a short period is certainly not an easy task.

Even so, statistics show significant quantitative and qualitative progress in social and physical development during this period.

The republic was not merely a change in the system of governance; it was also a profound transformation in the consciousness of Nepali society. A society that had lived as subjects for centuries was transformed into sovereign citizens through a constitution it created itself.

Maturity in any new political practice naturally takes time, and we have experienced that reality as well.

The expansion of local governments and state resources to villages, increased representation and participation of women, Dalits, indigenous communities, Madhesis, and marginalized groups at every level of the state, freedom of expression, civil liberties, digital access to services, and the expansion of roads and communications did not happen by accident. These are all achievements of the republic.

However, the pace of change has not been as fast as we would have liked. Such progress depends on social consciousness. When change does not occur at the desired speed, dissatisfaction with the system can arise. Yet the democratic republican system itself provides the lawful means to address those grievances.

Therefore, only by protecting this system can people continue to bring about change in their circumstances.

The difference between democratic governance and popular slogans is something society understands gradually through lived experience, not immediately.

There is a risk that democratic rights may be weakened and authoritarian tendencies may grow if public frustration is exploited to sow distrust in institutions and weaken democratic structures by inflaming emotions.

At this moment, protecting the Constitution, Parliament, judiciary, and the independence of the press is, in essence, protecting our republic.

People often realize what they stand to lose without a democratic republic only when such a system no longer exists. Previous generations experienced that reality firsthand.

No society can remain strong if democratic institutions are weakened, nor can people enjoy lasting prosperity.

Therefore, protecting these institutions of the democratic republic means protecting the future of all of us.

On this sacred occasion of Republic Day, I urge everyone to calmly reflect on the difficult struggles undertaken to achieve democracy and to consider what the future might look like if democracy is weakened.

I extend my heartfelt Republic Day greetings to all sisters and brothers.”