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According to the Constitution, Nepal is a federal parliamentary republic, where the Prime Minister with executive powers is elected through the parliament. However, due to frequent changes in government in recent years, this system has seen many problems, including political instability. Meanwhile, some individuals and groups are demanding a directly-elected Prime Minister. This article seeks to analyze positive and negative effects of this system as well as the challenges of the current parliamentary democracy.

Challenges of parliamentary democracy

One of the most persistent challenges in Nepal’s parliamentary model is the frequent change of governments, which often interrupts long-term development projects. For example, in the pursuit of power, political actors often form fragile coalitions that collapse quickly, while recurring corruption scandals further weaken public trust and spark protests on the streets.

Lack of political culture is another challenge. Leaders obsessed with their own interests do not put the people first. Problems such as corruption, protectionism and nepotism have weakened the effectiveness of democracy. And an increase in economic uncertainty invariably makes foreign elements more active in fragile polities like ours. 

In addition, there are social problems linked to human rights, such as gender-based violence, child marriage and bonded labor. The voices of minority groups such as women, Dalits, people with disabilities and sexual and gender minorities remain unheard. Even two decades after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended a decade-long war, transitional justice works remain incomplete. All of these factors are challenging Nepal’s democracy.

A directly-elected PM

The current constitution provides for the prime minister to be elected through the parliament. However, some new political forces such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party have proposed a directly-elected prime minister. The GenZ movement has also raised the demand for a term limit and a system of direct elections for the prime minister. This change would require a constitutional amendment needing a two-thirds majority in the parliament. The current interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has stated that she does not have the mandate to effect this change in the constitution.

Positive effects

The system of a directly-elected prime minister can bring political stability as chances of the government serving a full term are higher. It provides continuity to national development works and supports economic and social progress. Since the elected leader depends on a broader support of the people, this system protects the country from extreme left or right-wing ideologies by encouraging centrist policies. A directly-elected Prime Minister is free from parliamentary wranglings, so s/he can become a strong executive by taking decisions quickly and effectively.

The contemporary history of South Asia and Europe offer successful examples of this type of system. In Sri Lanka, for example, the president is directly elected and holds executive powers. Following the end of the civil war in 2009, the South Asian country, under the strong leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa, made temporary gains in sectors such as tourism and infrastructure. 

France’s semi-presidential system illustrates how a directly-elected president can drive reforms, as seen under Emmanuel Macron’s leadership with labor and EU policy changes. Macron maintained political stability and responded effectively to the covid pandemic. These examples show that direct elections provide leadership with popular support and make it easier to implement long-term policies. There are also successful examples of prime ministers elected through the parliament. Under Narendra Modi, India achieved economic growth from 2014 to 2024, including GST reforms and Digital India, making the country the fifth largest global economy. In Europe, the UK’s parliamentary system has long provided stability. The Tony Blair government, for example, brought economic prosperity by improving education and health. These successes clearly show that parliamentary systems can take balanced decisions by incorporating diverse views.

Negative effects

This system is not a panacea. Conflicts between the president and the prime minister can increase under this system, thereby deepening instability. Currently, there is a problem regarding the executive authority of caretaker Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who came to power (not through the usual parliamentary process) following a youths-led movement that toppled an elected government, and President Ramchandra Paudel, who remains as the head of the state and the enforcer as well as the protector of the constitution. Limiting the powers of PM Karki, President Paudel has tasked the current government with a singular mandate: conducting elections in six months. 

In this context, it may be worthwhile to revisit the interim government under Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, which took shape after the people's movement of 1990. With full support from King Birendra, the government successfully conducted parliamentary elections and also introduced a constitution within a year. 

Whereas PM Karki has not received such support from President Paudel, meaning holding elections within the deadline will be easier said than done. This situation gives an ample indication of problems that directly-elected PMs may have to face if Nepal opts for such a system. 

At least 52 people have been killed and several remain missing due to landslides and floods caused by torrential rains on Oct 4 and 5. The highest number of casualties has been reported in Koshi Province, with 37 deaths in Ilam district alone due to landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall.

From Sunday, there are no risks of heavy to very heavy rainfall, although light to moderate showers are still likely in some parts of the country. On Friday and Saturday, Bagmati and Madhes Provinces were particularly hard hit by the torrential rains.

Several highways that were blocked by landslides have been partially reopened. The BP Highway, which had only recently been repaired after massive damage in last year’s floods, has been damaged again. It is expected to take 3–4 days to fully restore access along the BP Highway.

The interim government led by Sushila Karki has been credited with better preparations for relief and rescue operations. Private airlines have been operating charter flights to assist passengers stranded in major cities. 

Ministers were reportedly concerned that poor handling of the crisis could lead to public criticism, especially since the government was formed only three weeks ago. Last year, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost public support due to inadequate response to the floods and landslides that severely affected central Kathmandu.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the disaster, stating: The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time. As a friendly neighbor and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”

However, the Nepal government has not yet sought international assistance. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has instructed relevant agencies to collect and submit preliminary damage assessments, including the number of people affected and details of the impacted areas.

District administration offices have been directed to provide relief to the families of the deceased and arrange free treatment for the injured.

Due to ongoing heavy rains, the Saptakoshi River has reached its highest recorded water level, crossing the extremely high danger mark. As a result, all 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened. The government has announced that it will provide Rs 200,000 in relief to the families of those who died due to floods and landslides.

With the Dashain festival drawing to a close, political parties are set to resume their activities. The CPN-UML is preparing to hold its Central Committee meeting to discuss party leadership and its future political direction.

Before that, the party will convene a meeting of its 18-member Secretariat. Pressure is mounting on PM KP Sharma Oli to step down as party chair, but he remains reluctant.

The CPN (Maoist Center) has begun preparations for its general convention, having already dissolved its Central Committee to form a Convention Organizing Committee. 

The Maoist party was also the first to engage with the GenZ protests. Prime Minister Sushila Karki recently held an extended consultation with representatives from the GenZ protest movement, with 25 representatives from five different groups in attendance. As various GenZ factions are emerging with differing political demands, the PM aimed to gather diverse views to find common ground and potentially bring all groups under one platform.

Some GenZ protesters are advocating for constitutional amendments to introduce a directly elected Prime Minister, while others want to retain the current parliamentary system. 

In her national address, PM Karki clarified that constitutional amendments fall outside the jurisdiction of her interim government. Additionally, some GenZ groups are calling for the removal of the Chief Justice and other justices of the Supreme Court, intensifying political pressure on the judiciary.

It has been revealed that on Sept 9, the Nepali Army warned President Ramchandra Paudel and senior leaders of major political parties to reach a decision regarding government formation by that night. According to a report published by Janastha newspaper, Army Chief Ashok Sigdel reportedly told the leaders: “The movement will intensify after the army takes over the power. Once power is taken, the army will not return until everything is in order. It will be difficult to retreat.” The army chief reportedly said: “In that case, you must decide on your own. Create an environment for forming the government immediately.” Citing sources, the report says the Army submitted two proposals to the President: Permission to declare a state of emergency, and formation of a consensus government among major political parties and protest groups.

The death toll in landslides and floods due to incessant rain since Friday has reached 52, according to Nepal Police. The data collected till Sunday show that most of the deaths occurred in Koshi Province (eastern Nepal), particularly in Ilam district where 37 people lost their lives. Two deaths each were reported in Udayapur and Khotang and eight in Panchthar districts.

Apart from that, three people died in flooding in Rautahat.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the affected areas, authorities added while cautioning the public about further landslides and flooding. 

A section of the trekking route between Namche and Jorsalle in the Sagarmatha region has also been damaged by a landslide. The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged trekkers to exercise caution and use an alternative route while traveling in the affected area. According to TAAN, the main trail has been blocked, and trekkers are advised to take the alternative mule route located about 200 to 300 meters above the main path.

The association has also called on all trekking agencies, guides and trekkers to prioritize safety and make necessary preparations before continuing their journey.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts were underway on Sunday to clear access to campsites on Tibet’s eastern slope of Sagarmatha, where nearly 1,000 people have been trapped by a blizzard that has blocked roads, according to Chinese state media reports. Hundreds of local villages and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude above 4,900 meters, according to a report in Jimu News.

Some tourists on the mountain have already been brought down the mountain, it added. The snowfall began on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday, according to notices on the official WeChat accounts of the local Tingri County Tourism Company, which said ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday.

The Saptakoshi river, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of individuals with deadly floods in Bihar state in eastern India almost every year, is flowing above the danger level. All the 56 sluice gates of the Koshi barrage have been opened to discharge water as against about 10 to 12 in a normal situation, and vehicle movement on the bridge was banned by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned that river basins in Udayapur, Saptari, and Sunsari are at high risk of flooding. Residents in these areas have been urged to exercise extreme caution, and on Saturday, the DHM sent 5m flood alert SMS messages to the public. In coordination with Nepal Telecom and Ncell, the messages were disseminated to ensure that people living in flood-prone areas remain alert and prepared.

Hundreds of people die every year in wet-season landslides and flash floods that sweep through Nepal, typically from mid-June to mid-September. Weather officials had forecasted rains were to pound the country through Monday and officials said they were taking “maximum care and precautions” while helping victims of the tragedy.

322mm rainfall in Ilam

Ilam, the district worst affected by landslides and human casualties, recorded 322 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours, according to the DHM. All weather stations in Ilam reported more than 200mm of rain, with Kanyam and Mai Pokhari receiving 276mm, categorized as extremely heavy rainfall.

Other districts also recorded significant precipitation in the same period—Morang (233mm), Sunsari (205mm), Dhankuta (166mm), Dhanusha (192mm), Sindhuli (205mm), Saptari (180mm), Rautahat (205mm), and Makwanpur (224mm). The highest rainfall was recorded at Maheshpur in Rautahat, with 358mm between Saturday morning and Sunday morning.

Rautahat recorded the heaviest rainfall among the observation stations across Madhes, Koshi and Bagmati provinces. Stations measuring over 300mm of rain include Himali Gaun (332.6mm) and Kanyam Tea Estate (314.2mm) in Ilam, and Mudali (328.6mm) and Gaur (315.0mm) in Parsa district.

Between 4:30 am Saturday and 4:30 am Sunday, rainfall data were collected from 295 monitoring stations (79 manual and 216 automatic). Of these, 186 stations recorded rainfall, with 105 measuring above 50mm, 68 above 100mm, 21 above 200mm, and five recording over 300mm.

As per standards, heavy rainfall refers to 50–100mm in 24 hours, very heavy rainfall is 100–200mm, and extremely heavy rainfall is more than 200mm in 24 hours.

Meanwhile, water levels in Bagmati, Trishuli, Eastern Rapti, Lalbakaiya and Kamala rivers have crossed alert levels but are now gradually receding. On Sunday, the Saptakoshi river also crossed the danger level, along with its tributaries, Tamor, Sunkoshi, and Arun, though the water level is now going down.

Rivers originating from the Chure and Mahabharat ranges, including Kankai, Budhi Khola, Lohandra, Kheshliya, and Biring, also surpassed danger levels but are now showing a decreasing trend, the DHM said. It added that although the low-pressure weather system causing the rainfall has now moved out of Nepal and the monsoon is weakening, it has not yet withdrawn. Authorities continue to closely monitor weather patterns and potential flood risks across the country.

Generation of 105 MW halted

Heavy rainfall has caused floods and landslides, forcing the shutdown of 13 hydropower projects with a total capacity of 105 megawatts, all located in Ilam district.

The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) reported that most hydropower projects in Ilam have been damaged by floods and landslides. Preliminary data collected by IPPAN shows that 13 operational projects producing 105.4 MW are currently offline. Additionally, five under-construction projects totaling 93 MW have also sustained damage.

The fully affected operational projects include Maikhola, Maikhola Cascade, Super Mai, Super Mai A and its Cascade, Jogmaikhola and its Cascade, Lower Jogmai, Maibeni, Upper Maikhola, and Mai C Cascade. According to IPPAN, the floods damaged key infrastructure, including intakes, powerhouses, substations, headworks, and transmission lines of these projects.

Among the under-construction projects, Sabakhola B and Hevakhola in Panchthar have been damaged. In addition, Siddhikhola in Ilam and Brahmayani and Upper Brahmayani in Sindhupalchok have also suffered flood-related damage. IPPAN noted that the headworks, access roads, powerhouses, and construction materials of these projects were affected by the floods.

Floods have also damaged 1,500 meters of river embankments in various locations, causing preliminary estimated losses of around Rs 100m.

According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the Kankai river breached approximately 200 meters of the lower right bank embankment along the Postal Highway in Gauriganj-2, Jhapa. The Mechi river damaged several spurs, resulting in losses of around Rs 5m.

The Keshaliya river (Budhi Khola) flooded settlements in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-6 and 12, displacing 75 households. Along the eastern bank of the Kamala river in Siraha’s Pateruwa, floodwaters damaged the embankment, causing estimated losses of Rs 2.5m.

The Lalbakaiya river washed away about 60 meters of embankment on the right bank in Maualapur Municipality-1, Maryadpur, damaging approximately 100 hectares of paddy fields. In Baudimai, about 120 meters of embankment was destroyed, inundating 200 hectares of paddy fields and around 200 homes and livestock shelters, with estimated damages of Rs 6m.

In Mahottari, the Rato river caused damage in Balwa Municipality-2, 10, and 11, washing away a total of 390 meters of embankments in Banchauri, Leuri, Bhalni, and Bhagwatipur. Additional breaches include 400 meters in Loharpatti, 20 meters in Rattbara (Mahottari Rural Municipality-6), and 80 meters in Bakhari and Khaira of Jaleshwar Municipality-1, 4, and 7, bringing the total embankment breach to 890 meters.

The district headquarters, Jaleshwar, was also affected by flooding. The ministry estimates the total damage in Mahottari at around Rs 80m.

BP highway destroyed again

Floodwaters from the Roshi river have swept away the diversion road along the Chaukidanda–Nepalthok section of the BP Highway, severely affecting transportation in the region. Around 4.5 kilometers of the diversion road have been destroyed. The diversion had been constructed after last year’s floods damaged the highway, but this year’s heavy flooding has washed away most of it again.

Between Chaukidanda and Barkhekhola in Kavre, floods have washed away diversions at 16 locations, covering about 3.5 kilometers of the road. Similarly, three sections of diversion between Barkhekhola and Nepalthok in Sindhuli have also been destroyed. The flood level in the Roshi River remains high, making it difficult to inspect the damaged areas. It appears that most of the diversions built after last year’s flood have been washed away again. Around 800 meters of diversion may have been lost on Sunday alone.

Reconstruction work has not yet started due to the high water level. The government plans to reopen the road within 72 hours, but the work cannot begin until the floodwaters recede. Equipment from both the government and contractors is already on-site and will be mobilized to reopen the BP Highway as soon as possible. 

The government had spent a significant amount on repairs after last year’s floods damaged the BP Highway. The Bhaktapur Division Road Office constructed the diversion using its own machinery and resources rather than contracting it out. Reconstruction of the BP Highway in Kavre has been divided into four sections, but only two have been contracted so far. The Bhakundebesi–Charsebesi section has been awarded to Lama–Navkantipur JV, and the Charsebesi–Dalabesi section to Khani–Kamaljit–Ewan Construction Service. Japan has pledged to support the reconstruction of one remaining section, while another section is still awaiting contract approval. In Sindhuli, the Barkhekhola–Nepalthok section was awarded to Kharidhunga–Ghising–Kshitiz JV, but no substantial reconstruction has yet begun.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall across eastern Nepal has caused widespread damage to several road sections. According to the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office (FRSMO), Damak, Jhapa, multiple roads have been blocked due to landslides, road subsidence, and damaged bridges and culverts. The Harkapur–Okhaldhunga–Solu and Halesi–Diktel–Chakhewa roads have suffered minor landslides but remain open, with continuous clearing work underway. The Mirchaiya–Katari–Ghurmi (64 km) and Gaighat–Diktel (37–45 km) roads are completely blocked, though efforts are ongoing to reopen them within a day. The Dharan–Bhedetar road is obstructed by a landslide near Nisane Khola, with clearing work expected to be completed within two hours.

On the Bhedetar–Mulghat and Pakhribas–Leguwa roads, multiple landslides have reduced traffic to one lane in several areas. Roads in Ilam and Panchthar districts have been heavily damaged, particularly the Fikkal–Godak, Godak–Maikhola, and Nepaltar–Phidim sections, where floodwaters have swept away embankments, bridges, and culverts. The Mechi Corridor has also suffered extensive damage, with bridges collapsing in Lalikharka, Puwakhola, and other areas, completely halting transportation as damage assessments continue. Along the Tamor Corridor, floodwaters have washed away sections of the road up to Subang Khola from Mulghat, with traffic expected to remain suspended for at least two days. Heavy equipment has been deployed to reopen these routes.

While some sections may reopen soon, officials say it could take several more days to restore full transportation, particularly along the Ilam–Panchthar and Mechi Corridor roads, where the damage is severe.

India offers support

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the losses caused by heavy rainfall. Through social media, Modi described the damage to life and property as distressing and reaffirmed that the Indian government is committed to providing any necessary assistance. “As a friendly neighbor and first responder, India is committed to providing any required support,” Modi said, adding, “We stand with the people and government of Nepal during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Kamalram Joshi, director-general of the DHM, has credited advance warnings, coordinated understanding, and a one-door system approach for successfully managing recent weather-related disasters in Nepal. Speaking to News Agency Nepal, Joshi said that although the country faced floods and landslides near the end of this year’s monsoon, the loss of life and property was lower than in previous years.

“This year, we had to deal with hydrometeorological disasters at the end of the monsoon,” he said. “Thanks to the DHM’s forecasts, uniform understanding of warnings and coordinated implementation through a one-door system, the impact on people and property is estimated to be less than in past events.”

Joshi added that while complete data is still being collected, overall, the country was successful in responding to the disaster. 

Additionally, Speaker of the House Devraj Ghimire expressed gratitude to the government for its role during the disaster. In a message released on Sunday, he said he was deeply saddened by the widespread loss of life and property caused by floods and landslides. He extended sympathy to affected citizens and praised the government’s response.

Speaker Ghimire stated, “I would like to thank all security agencies, health workers, technical teams, and volunteers deployed for rescue and rehabilitation on behalf of the government, and draw attention to the relief efforts for the victims.” He added that disasters can only be overcome if everyone moves forward together and appealed to all citizens to fully support security agencies and local administrations involved in relief and rescue operations.

Weather system exits

The seasonal weather system responsible for three days of continuous rains has moved out of Nepal and is now active near Sikkim and Bhutan, according to experts. Residual showers in some areas of the Koshi basin are expected to cease soon, says meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay. “However, the flow of the Koshi remains high, so caution is advised for lower riverbank areas until the evening. Current analyses indicate that no moderate or heavy rainfall is expected in the near future. The monsoon is likely to fully withdraw within the next week, ensuring that this year’s Tihar festival can be celebrated without weather disruptions,” he says.

Although transportation on highways outside the Koshi region can resume, landslide risks remain. In Kathmandu and surrounding regions, daily life returned to normal, and smaller rivers and streams no longer pose a risk.

Work afoot to reopen BP Highway asap: Minister Ghising

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Efforts are on to reopen the BP Highway, which has remained blocked due to incessant rains, as soon as possible, the government has stated. Minister for Energy, Water Resources, Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, informed that efforts are underway to reopen the Bhakundebesi–Nepalthok section of the BP Highway within three to four days.

Speaking at a press meet, Minister Ghising said that the construction of diversions and removal of obstructions has already started on the BP Highway and the Mechi Highway. “The repair of the damaged sections, especially the Bhakundebesi–Nepalthok section, has already begun. We are sending necessary equipment to resume vehicular movement as early as possible, hopefully within three or four days,” he added, urging members of the public to use alternative routes in the meantime.

Recent landslides and flooding due to incessant rains have led to widespread damage to roads across the country, disrupting transport in most areas. The ministry clarified that equipment, human resources and resources needed for repair and reopening of broken-down roads have been mobilized, with top priority given to sections of highways blocked.

Round-the-clock repairs are afoot to reopen the major highways, such as the Prithvi Highway, the ministry said. The ministry also informed that it was acting in coordination with District Administration Offices, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Traffic Police and local governments to restore road linkages across the country.

For latest road updates, the Department of Roads has asked the public to visit its official website or contact its call center on 9851416893.

Condoling the deaths of people in the recent disasters, the ministry expressed sympathy to the victims and bereaved families and asked the people to remain patient and alert at this time. Minister Ghising stated that the government's timely preparedness had helped in minimizing human losses. 

He also informed that in some areas, misinformation and lack of care had led to disasters. Referring to the Langtang disaster, where four trekkers have gone missing, the minister said that some individuals may have ignored advice and believed astrological predictions that downplayed the danger. “In spite of repeated warnings to keep away from riverbanks and risky areas, some did not budge,” Minister Ghising said. “In a few cases, we had to forcibly relocate them to prevent the loss of lives. A few casualties were prevented because of such interventions.”

He further explained that while rainfall is continuing in the eastern region, the weather is expected to improve by tomorrow, and the government is focusing on rapid road restoration and rehabilitation works.

In the past two days, 40 people died while 11 remain missing in disasters which largely include the monsoon-triggered incidents in various parts of the country. 

Similarly, 13 have been injured in the incidents related to flooding, landslides, lightning strikes and road accidents. 

 In Ilam alone, the death toll, so far highest, is 28 while two have been severely injured, the Armed Police said. 

Similarly, two deaths in food and landslides have been reported from Udaypur, three from Rautahat, four from Rasuwa and one in Kathmandu. 

Eight were injured from the lightning strikes in Khotang, Bhojpur, Rautahat and Makawanpur, 

In Pachthar, six died in a road accident and six others have been injured.