Ruling vs opposition parties

The Himalayan Times

6 October 2023

Ruling vs opposition parties

Parliamentary democracy is based on the party system of government answerable to the House of Representatives (HoR). Such a democracy is governed by two parties: ruling and opposition parties, although in a parliamentary democracy, decisions are taken on a majoritarian basis. However, both the ruling and opposition parties have a crucial role to play in strengthening parliamentary democracy. These two parties should work in  the interests of their country and people even though their functions and responsibilities are different. While the ruling party governs, the opposition should play the role of making the ruling party accountable to the country and people by closely monitoring each and every action of the government. However, these democratic practices are not often seen in national politics.

If a political party plays the role of an effective opposition, it can give a tough time to the ruling party if it tries to deviate from its national issues and concerns “Oli slams government” (THT, October 4, Page 1). However, looking at the existing HoR, both the ruling and opposition seem to be ineffective in resolving the burning national issues and concerns owing to their own political interest. We can clearly see what the ruling and opposition parties are doing in Koshi Province, which has invited instability in the provincial political structure owing to their unhealthy political acts. However, this is not the first time we are seeing such dirty politics in the country, which has not seen any government complete its full term in office in its political history.

If the ruling and opposition parties had worked hand in hand to address the national issues and people’s concerns, a lot could have been done for the country and people in the past. But, the present ruling and opposition parties do not even seem to have worked together to strengthen parliamentary democracy. They are always engaged in the blame game. It is high time for them to correct their political mistakes and start acting together for the betterment of the country and their political existence. Otherwise, it will be too late for them to realise and act accordingly.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharjgunj