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Nepal's journey through democracy has been marked by the complex coalition politics in a hung parliament. This phenomenon, where no single party secures a majority, presents formidable obstacles to achieving sustainable development and effective governance.

Hung Parliament and Political Instability

The recurring hung parliament has been deeply woven into Nepal's democratic fabric. The nation’s multiparty landscape, encompassing diverse ideologies and regional interests, complicates the government formation process. Despite periods of single-party dominance since the political change of 1990, political maneuvering and dissent frequently lead to hung parliaments and subsequent instability.

Between November 1994 and May 1999, Nepal faced significant instability due to its first hung parliament. This led to the outbreak of decade-long Maoist insurgency. Although the insurgency ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) on November 21, 2006, political instability has persisted in the country.

The 1999 general election, held amidst the shadow of insurgency, saw the Nepali Congress secure a comfortable majority in parliament, winning 111 out of 205 seats. Despite this, the political instability continued in the country, marked by brief tenures of three prime ministers.

Following the signing of CPA, the 2008 general election elected the first Constituent Assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution. However, the Constituent Assembly lacked a single-party majority, with the Maoists securing 120 seats out of 240 under the first-past-the-post system. The proportional representation system, accounting for 335 seats, further complicated the Constituent Assembly's dynamics, leading to a hung assembly plagued by political maneuvering and ethical breaches.

Political instability persists in Nepal despite the eventual promulgation of the new constitution in 2015 by the second Constituent Assembly. The complexities of coalition politics, compounded by the governance and representation challenges, continue to shape the nation's democratic narrative to this day.

Causes of Political Instability

Proportional representation, which was introduced alongside the first-past-the-post system in Nepal's electoral system, aimed to foster inclusivity in the political landscape. However, this system has presented its own set of challenges for the country. Issues such as vote dispersion, coalition politics and regional dynamics have contributed to the complexity of governance. Additionally, criticisms of nepotism and electoral intricacies have exacerbated the situation.

Under the proportional representation system, 110 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives are allocated based on the proportion of votes that political parties receive nationally or within specific electoral regions. This allows parties with significant overall support to secure representation in Parliament even if they do not win in individual constituencies.

The proportional representation system was introduced to address historical marginalization and ensure the representation of all segments of society in the legislative process. By providing a platform for smaller parties and minority groups, proportional representation aimed to enhance the inclusivity of Nepal's democracy. However, its implementation is becoming challenging due to concerns about political fragmentation, struggles with coalition governance, and allegations of nepotism in candidate selection 

After the recent general election, Nepal has seen another hung parliament. The trend of minority parties wielding disproportionate influence, alongside the perceived helplessness of larger parties, has disrupted democratic norms and contributed to economic setbacks in the country.

The Darker Side of Politics

The growing use of political influence to evade justice and perpetrate crime is a persistent challenge that plagues many societies. This issue arises when individuals or groups in positions of political power abuse their authority to manipulate legal processes, evade accountability and shield themselves or their associates from prosecution for criminal activities.

Interference in Legal Proceedings: Politically powerful individuals may exert pressure on law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges and other judicial bodies to manipulate investigations, delay legal proceedings, or influence judicial outcomes in their favor. This interference undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the justice system.

Corruption and Bribery: Politicians may engage in corrupt practices, such as bribery or extortion, to obstruct investigations, tamper with evidence, or secure favorable judgments. Corrupt alliances between politicians and criminal elements further exacerbate the problem, enabling organized crime networks to operate with impunity.

Political Patronage: Politicians may provide protection or patronage to criminal elements in exchange for political support, financial contributions or other benefits. This symbiotic relationship between politics and crime perpetuates a culture of impunity and undermines efforts to combat criminal activities.

Legal Loopholes and Immunity: Politicians may exploit legal loopholes or abuse their legislative powers to enact laws or policies that grant them immunity from prosecution or shield them from accountability for criminal behavior. This impunity emboldens individuals to engage in illicit activities without fear of consequences.

Manipulation of Public Perception: Politically influential individuals or their allies may attempt to manipulate public opinion through propaganda, misinformation, or media control to portray themselves as victims or deflect attention away from their criminal activities. This manipulation can undermine public awareness of the gravity of the crimes committed and impede efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

Way Forward

It has become necessary to address the issue of hung parliament to ensure stable governance and democratic functioning in Nepal. One potential solution could involve reconsidering the electoral system, either adopting solely the first-past-the-post or proportional representation method. Maintaining both systems simultaneously risks perpetuating instability. Swift action is essential to mitigate the risks posed by hung parliaments before they escalate further. Remember, you cannot have your cake and eat it too.

Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been acquitted of the rape charges. A joint bench of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatt and Anju Upreti Dhakal of the Patan High Court overturned the decision of the District Court, Kathmandu, and acquitted Lamichhane,  Bimal Parajuli, the court’s spokesperson, said on Wednesday. 

Talking to the media, Lamichhane reiterated his innocence and thanked the High Court for its verdict. 

“I was framed for a crime I did not commit. I am grateful to everyone who stood beside me and supported me all this time,” he said. 

On 29 December 2023, the Kathmandu District Court had found Lamichhane guilty of rape and sentenced him to eight years in prison.

On 6 September 2022, the victim (Gausala 26) filed a complaint, alleging that Lamichhane raped her at a hotel in Sinamangal on August 21 of that same year. Lamichhane, who was in a closed training session at the time, had allegedly taken Gaushala 26 from the Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a hotel in Tahachal, Kathmandu, to Nagarkot. They returned and stayed at a hotel in Sinamangal, where the victim claimed the rape occurred.

When the complaint was filed, Lamichhane was abroad for a cricket match and did not return to Nepal, prompting the police to issue a diffusion notice through Interpol. He was arrested at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon his return on 6 October 2022 and was sent to judicial custody by the district court. But the Patan High Court released him on bail of Rs 2m on 13 January 2023.

At that time, the High Court had prohibited him from traveling abroad, but after the Supreme Court lifted that restriction, he left Nepal and played international cricket.

Following a long hearing process, the District Court convicted Lamichhane on 29 December 2023. Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal concluded that Lamichhane was guilty based on the victim's brother's complaint, Lamichhane's statement, various witness testimonies, and CCTV footage.

While Lamichhane had admitted to staying in the same hotel room with Gaushala 26, he denied the rape allegations. But the District Court concluded that considering the victim's statement and Lamichhane's activities on the day of the incident, it was clear that he had raped the victim.

The indictment claimed that the victim, being above 16 but below 18 years of age (a minor according to the law), warranted a sentence of 10 to 12 years. But Judge Dhakal sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in prison, ruling that the victim was 18 years old on the day of the incident. The court also ordered Sandeep to pay the victim a compensation of Rs 500,000.

After the court pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to prison, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended Lamichhane from participating in any domestic or international competition.

Following Lamichhane’s acquittal, CAN has decided to lift his suspension and reinstate him in the national team, said Padam Khadka, treasurer of CAN. 

Nepal is set to compete in the 9th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup Cricket, which will be jointly held in the US and the West Indies from June 1 to 29.

“CAN will decide by tomorrow. Our effort will be to send him to compete in the World Cup at any cost,” said Khadka.

If you’ve ever traveled along the Prithivi Highway, you might have noticed a small market called Baireni Bazar. About 166 years ago, Mahesh Khola, a small tributary of the Trisuli River, flowed over Baireni. Around 1858, Subba Homnath Khatiwada and his father, Mukhiya Pandit Nandalal Khatiwada, decided to connect Mahesh Khola and Trisuli in Galchhi to use the three kilometers long riverbed and valley for agriculture.

However, there was a 300-meter-high hill between these two rivers. So, Subba and his father decided to remove that hill. They were the tax collectors (mukhiya) of that area and called hundreds of volunteers from 15 villages with their traditional arms and farming equipment.

They also collected a special ingredient to melt the strong stones supporting the hill – gahat, the horse gram. It’s said that they collected 17 muri (almost 11 kilograms) and cooked it in four different vessels, using the soup to melt the foundation stones of the hill.

Gahat, also known as horse gram or kulthi in Madhesh, has a rich history in South Asia. Researchers suggest that people have been eating horse gram since 2500 BC, for over 4500 years, making it older than the Ganga Basin Civilization and the Vedic Civilization. During the time of the Saraswati River Civilization and Harappan Civilization, horse gram was commonly consumed. Evidence of this lentil has been found during excavations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh of India, indicating its use in the Harappan era.

The medicinal properties of horse gram are mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas and Tamil Sangam literature. In Tamil Sangam literature, many books describe the properties of horse gram. Excavations in Payyampalli village in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu have revealed evidence of animal domestication and plant cultivation, with pottery making and Horse gram cultivation found in the village.

Overall, horse gram has been a staple in South Asian diets for thousands of years, with its historical significance dating back to ancient civilizations.

Horse gram is considered one of the most nutritious pulses available. According to Ayurveda, it’s a superfood that offers numerous health benefits. It’s known to be effective against diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney problems. The nutrients in horse gram help reduce hunger and make you feel full faster, making it ideal for weight loss. Its name comes from its historical use as both human food and feed for horses.

Despite its nutritional value, horse gram is often seen as a food for the poor, especially in southern India. This misconception has led to less research on its benefits compared to other pulses. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend horse gram as a diuretic, which helps increase urine flow and can be consumed as a soup twice a day for four weeks to see results.

According to Ayurvedic practitioners, horse gram is known for its diuretic properties, which help increase urine flow. Consuming horse gram soup twice a day for four weeks can show visible results in this regard.

For asthmatic patients, a common Ayurvedic remedy is to consume a paste made from boiled horse gram and pepper. This can help reduce cough, cold, and congestion, providing immediate relief and aiding in managing breathing problems, although it’s not a cure for asthma.

They also suggest that due to its diuretic properties, horse gram is effective in assisting the removal of kidney stones. Including horse gram in your regular diet can also help prevent the formation of kidney stones, as it contains certain compounds that make these stones soluble.

Indian scientists have found that raw horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar levels after a meal. They achieve this by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance. This makes horse gram an excellent food choice for diabetics.

Horse gram seeds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins, which are major antioxidants found in fruits. These antioxidants contribute to overall health and well-being. Raw horse gram is packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins, making it a nutritious option. It’s also low in fat and high in carbohydrates, which is beneficial for heart health.

Consuming plenty of horse gram can aid in managing obesity as it has the ability to target fatty tissue, thanks to its high phenol content. Horse gram, especially when consumed as soup, can generate heat and energy in the body, keeping you warm on cold winter days. It’s rich in iron, calcium, and protein. It contains the highest calcium content among pulses and is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein. Due to its high iron content, horse gram can help cure irregular menstrual cycles and increase blood hemoglobin levels.

One downside of horse gram is its phytic acid content, which can block nutrient absorption in the body. However, soaking, sprouting, or cooking horse gram seeds before eating can significantly reduce this. Horse gram isn’t just good for humans; it’s beneficial for the land too. Its vines grow quickly and densely, helping to prevent soil erosion, particularly on sloping land with poor mineral content.

Horse Gram is tough and can withstand long periods of drought with minimal effort from farmers. It’s often grown in dry areas with limited access to technology or irrigation, making it a preferred crop. It’s also cultivated in regions where other crops may struggle due to low fertility. Because of its hardiness, it’s a great choice for land reclamation projects.

Next time you enjoy ‘gahat ko daal’, remember to appreciate our ancestors for giving us this superfood, which we seem to have ignored in recent times.

Baral is a UK based R&D chef

Shankar Tiwari wears multiple hats as an author, freelance journalist, and a youth leader of the Nepali Congress. Renowned for his regular columns in national newspapers and his literary works focusing on figures such as BP Koirala, Pradip Giri, and DB Parihar, Tiwari’s persona is a blend of literature and politics. Like BP, he divides his time almost equally between these two domains. Recently, he has put forth his candidacy for the position of central committee member of the Nepali Congress in its 2024 General Convention.

Reflecting on his entry into politics, Tiwari recounted, “During my Bachelor’s studies, amidst King Gyanendra’s takeover, I was more inclined towards study and research than active political involvement. However, an opportunity to stand as a student leader via the Nepal Student Union arose just before the Free Students Union election. It was then that I realized the futility of personal development without addressing the political landscape of our country.”

Tiwari’s interactions with leaders like Gagan Thapa and Pradip Poudel further spurred his interest in political activism.

Asked about the intersection of his roles as an author and a political leader, Tiwari shared, “I’ve delved into the writings of political figures, ranging from Karl Marx to BP Koirala. What I’ve noticed is that writers possess a clarity of thought and secure a lasting place in history.”

Tiwari stressed the enriching impact of both literary and political pursuits on one’s personality. His columns in various newspapers, starting from Himal to Annapurna Post and eventually in Kantipur, not only bolstered his reputation but also provided a platform for personal growth and understanding of national and global literary trends.

Although his previous bid for a central committee position in the Nepali Congress was unsuccessful, Tiwari views it as a valuable learning experience. His vision for reforms, if elected, revolves around prioritizing general elections over party conventions, ensuring leadership renewal, and curbing the tendency of party dominance.

“If the party fails to enter the government after the elections, the party president’s term must be terminated within six months. This will pave the way for a new generation to lead the party,” he said. “In European democracies, it is an established notion that political parties are not rejected but leadership can be rejected. I want to establish the same value here.”

Tiwari’s academic journey, including his study of Gandhi’s philosophy at the Gandhi Center and his observations of student politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), solidified his commitment to political activism. He emphasizes the importance of ideological clarity and the necessity for senior leaders to make way for the new generation.

Echoing the liberal values of the Nepali Congress, Tiwari envisions a space for healthy debate and collaboration between different viewpoints. Drawing parallels to past predictions, he sees the party’s role in shaping Nepal’s democratic future.

Advocating for a shift in perspective regarding Nepal’s brain drain, Tiwari perceives migration as a developmental process. He believes that when governance becomes more effective, brain drain can transform into brain gain, fostering innovation and progress within the country.

“Modernization in the country has been driven due to people migrating overseas. Look at Kathmandu, we can see new and innovative businesses, new ways of doing things. It was all possible due to those people who migrated overseas and brought those new ideas back home,” he said.

Tiwari reminisces about his involvement in projects like the biography of DB Parihar, which debunked misconceptions surrounding Nepali cinema’s history. His academic pursuits, particularly in Gandhian studies, reinforced his dedication to social activism over conventional career paths.

In Tiwari’s view, politics should respect and foster cultural and literary expression rather than imposing its will. Positioned as a guiding light for Nepal’s new generation, Tiwari follows in the footsteps of esteemed figures like CK Prasai, Narahari Acharya, and Pradip Giri.