Former PM Jhalanath Khanal’s Democracy Day Message

Kathmandu. Former Prime Minister and senior leader Jhalanath Khanal has called for the victory of patriotic, democratic, and progressive forces in the upcoming elections to strengthen the democratic republic. 

In a message issued on the occasion of Democracy Day, he stated that the upcoming elections must be utilized correctly to prevent the nation from heading toward further crisis. Describing the election as both an opportunity and a challenge, he mentioned that voters must make decisions keeping the long-term future of the country in mind.

Khanal commented that the so-called "new" forces in the election lack clear policies, programs, or concrete commitments, and argued that there is no alternative for long-standing political parties but to correct past weaknesses and move forward with new resolve.

Remembering the historic day of February Falgun 7, 2007 BS, when democracy triumphed over the autocratic Rana regime, he expressed best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, and progress to all Nepalis at home and abroad. He also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the movement to achieve democracy.

He stated that although significant achievements such as the democratic revolution, the Constituent Assembly, the new constitution, and periodic elections have been attained, the country has not moved toward expected prosperity even as nearly two decades have passed since the establishment of the democratic republic. 

Pointing out the need for radical changes in land reform, modernization of agriculture, national industrialization, and the sectors of education and health, he expressed the view that it is now necessary to move forward with clear policies, firm commitment, and people-oriented programs.