Can This Government Deliver?
A Tea Shop Question That Stuck with Me
A few days after the election results were announced, I was sitting in a small tea shop in my hometown of Ghorahi. The familiar smell of chiya the soft chatter of locals, and the occasional honk of passing motorcycles created the rhythm of daily life.
Two men at the next table were speaking quietly but intensely about politics. One of them said something I could not forget:
“सरकार फेरिन्छ, तर हाम्रो जीवन कति फेरिन्छ?”
(“Governments change, but how much does our life actually change?”)
It was a simple question, yet it felt heavy. In Nepal, where cultural expectations and social bonds are strong, the impact of politics is felt at every level, from village councils to urban municipalities, from schools to local markets. Governments may change, but real transformation in education, employment, and infrastructure often takes years.
That question stayed in my mind. It seemed to capture the sentiment of my generation and the cautious hope of citizens who have seen promises repeated but tangible results remain slow.
Growing Up Amid Political Transitions
People who are members of my generation are living through Nepal’s unending changing of governments. We have lived through the fall of the monarchy, the creation of a republic, the restructuring of the country into a federal system and many elections that offered hope to our people for a brighter tomorrow.
The respect that we have for elders within our culture affects the political perspective of older people. Older family members have talked about politics in our homes through their experiences of politicians from the 2000s and prior. I have a different perspective on politics than my elders. I use traditional respect for my elders and combine that with probing questions about efficiency, progress and holding politicians accountable for their actions.
Politics is interwoven into the fabric of our daily life. From discussing gundruk and dal-bhat, to talking about the local news in the tea house and now discussing issues in Facebook or YouTube comment threads. However whereas my parents did not question their loyalty, I question what it is, analyse it and observe it.
The Weight of Expectations
Every election in Nepal carries the hope of change. Roads in hilly villages might finally get repaired; electricity projects might reach rural homes; local schools might receive proper funding.
The newly elected government comes with promises: economic growth, institutional reform, digital transformation, and social development. Yet history reminds us to remain cautious. Coalitions have broken before. Projects stalled. Promises remained incomplete.
Like many citizens, I wait-watching to see whether this government will finally turn promises into reality.
The Digital Generation and Political Awareness
Technology is one big way to define how political understanding has changed in recent years.
For the most part, our generation has grown up with the internet. Political speeches used to only be seen on T.V., but can now be found across various sites like YouTube, many people will discuss them on Facebook, and others will analyze them in WhatsApp.
This shift has resulted in this generation becoming more knowledgeable than we were previously, but we are also more impatient regarding political events. We see the advancements and accomplishments in other countries compared to our own, and it makes us wonder why we don’t seem to be progressing to the same degree as they are.
Although there has been an increase in our access to information via digital platforms, we now also have the ability to demand accountability, create solutions, or support initiatives that have innovative or creative ideas. If digital-savvy Nepalese are allowed access to ways they can utilize what they know, this generation could be very important to help bring change to our nation.
Between Frustration and Hope
Young Nepali people often feel frustrated. I have many friends that want to leave Nepal and live abroad. It’s not that they want to leave Nepal, but they feel that there are not enough opportunities available. Many talented youth have migrated to other countries to further their education, find jobs, and feel secure.
Nevertheless, there is a quiet sense of hope.
Each day, new technology platforms are created by young-entrepreneurs, innovative new products and services are developed by educators, and community leaders in the rural parts of the country are conducting workshops and assisting with skill development.
Although these developments go unnoticed, they do represent a change. Although we may not see significant changes coming out of Kathmandu in the very near future, we are witnessing change develop from the collective desire of all citizens, in every corner of Nepal.
Why Stability Matters
A nation needs to have political stability in order to develop.
If a government is able to stay stable, then investors will invest; long-term policies can be put into place; projects to develop infrastructure are likely to be successful; and education reform will take hold.
Nepal has a great deal of promise. The rivers of Nepal support the production of hydropower; the mountains of Nepal attract tourists; and the youth of Nepal are creative and resourceful.
However, promise alone will not bring about development. A government must have leaders who are able to execute the vision for the development of the country in a focused and accountable way.
The question remains whether the present government can provide the necessary stability and resolve to unlock Nepal’s potential.
Watching the Newly Elected Government
Every citizen is watching very carefully. We want to see something serious, not something resembling a miracle.
Any announcement, negotiation within the coalition, or policy decision will be scrutinized. Citizens are cautiously observing what the government is doing, as they have been promised things before.
I am one of millions of Nepalese who are waiting to see if this newly elected government will keep the promises it has made to me.
Youth, Technology, and Nation-Building
Political transformation does not take place solely through leadership, as well as individual action.
Critiquing everything around us is a critical element; however, participating in these areas is just as important to create change. Young people can help make a difference by creating businesses, educating themselves through formal education, participating in social services, and getting involved politically.
Because of the strength of the youth in Nepal (creative, resilient, and hungry for change), they could take the potential they have and create a new economy and innovation landscape in Nepal if given the opportunity to do so with political stability and support.
Stories That Keep Me Hopeful
I recall some friends who created a digital learning platform for children in a small town in Lumbini Province. They did not give up, despite the many regulations they faced; they believed every child deserved an education.
I also think about the young people from remote villages who have established youth organizations in which they can run digital literacy programs and encourage micro-business strategies.
The stories illustrate how change can occur, even stealthily, and that leadership can create opportunities for individuals, but actual, effective change will come when people in the community take responsibility for their lives.
The Question That Stays
I find myself continually asking myself the same question as I reflect upon the political history of Nepal:
Is this government deliver?
This question goes beyond mere policy; it demands action (implementation) which embodies the leadership that cares about its people instead of simply looking at how to achieve their political goals.
While I want to have faith that it will happen, my generation has little tolerance for excuses; we are observing, watching and anticipating.
A Generation of Responsibility
A democracy is a conversation, rather than a unilateral communication.
Leaders bear a certain level of duty, just like citizens do. Citizens have to be active and involved, and they have to be aware of the things that affect their lives.
Youth in Nepal cannot sit back any longer, political change is not going to be created by looking at speeches. It will be developed through innovative entrepreneurs, educated individuals, and those willing to help with social initiatives.
Closing
Nepal stands at the threshold of opportunity.
The new administration has the chance to show that they can lead in a responsible, transparent and progressive way; however, they will need to make use of the input and engagement from all citizens in order to fulfil this mandate.
Ultimately, history will determine how successful the new government will be based on the level of real change in people’s lives and the impact that change has made to their day-to-day lives, rather than through slogans, political coalitions or speeches.
For young Nepalese such as myself, hope is a country where there is no constant migration of talented youth; an environment in which to foster creativity; and a political system which works to facilitate economic development rather than to divide society.
While that hope continues to evaporate as I watch and wait like millions of others for the new government to honour their commitments, I remain vigilant and reflective, hoping that positive change will be delivered soon.
