Nepal, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a history of resilience, has endured decades of political instability.

Over the past several decades, it has undergone significant transformations, transitioning from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic.

At least half of the current population has either witnessed or participated in these changes, spanning from 2007 to 2065 BS (1951 to 2008 AD).

This period was marked by intense political turbulence, including power struggles between the monarchy and democracy, the eventual shift to a republic and federalism, and the transition from a Hindu state to a secular state.

Despite these structural changes and the adoption of inclusive representation in parliament and local governance, Nepalese political parties continue to struggle with a deep-rooted leadership crisis.

The absence of visionary leadership, internal party democracy, and a well-defined succession plan has hindered political progress and governance effectiveness.

Furthermore, political leaders must uphold a clear ideological framework and foster a shared vision within their parties. They must remain committed to the party’s core values and focus on achieving long-term national goals rather than seeking short-term victories.

This challenge persists even in newly established parties like the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, which entered the electoral arena without a manifesto and continues to struggle with defining a clear political ideology and direction.

A Leadership Crisis Across the Political Spectrum

Nepalese political parties, regardless of their ideology, have long suffered from a lack of visionary and transformative leadership. The political landscape remains dominated by a few individuals who have held power for decades, often prioritizing personal and party interests over national development.

While these senior leaders have played pivotal roles in managing political turbulence and have contributed significantly to the nation, they have also created a leadership vacuum, making it difficult for young, dynamic, and capable leaders to rise.

Despite their influence, senior leaders have failed to institutionalize merit-based leadership processes or implement internal leadership development initiatives.

Decision-making power remains concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving little room for emerging leaders to contribute or participate in the decision-making process. This top-heavy structure discourages innovation in ideology and stifles the potential of younger members who could otherwise play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.

Moreover, the absence of ideological clarity and a shared vision within parties has resulted in factionalism and party-switching for personal gain, further undermining the credibility of political institutions and perpetuating a culture of opportunism.

As a result, emerging leaders lack the necessary technical, social, economic, and political acumen needed for effective governance.

Rather than fostering a new generation of independent, visionary leaders, youth leaders have largely become loyal followers of senior figures—placing personal allegiance above competence and integrity.

Consequences of the Leadership Crisis

The leadership crisis within Nepalese political parties has had profound and far-reaching consequences for the nation. It has fueled political instability, resulting in frequent government changes and a lack of continuity in policy implementation.

This instability has deterred foreign investment, hindered economic growth, and delayed critical infrastructure development.

Beyond stalling national progress, this crisis has also eroded public trust in political institutions and the democratic system.

Citizens increasingly perceive political leaders as self-serving and disconnected from everyday realities, leading to widespread disillusionment.

This growing frustration has contributed to voter apathy and declining electoral participation, further weakening the democratic process.

Notably, the fear that senior political leaders and parties exhibit toward the former king—evident in their rhetoric—implicitly acknowledges their failures and the erosion of public confidence in their leadership.

Furthermore, the absence of capable and visionary leaders has weakened Nepal’s position on the global stage.

The country’s foreign policy often lacks strategic direction, limiting its ability to navigate regional and international affairs effectively. Without strong leadership, Nepal struggles to assert itself in diplomatic and economic engagements, diminishing its influence and potential for progress.

A Path Forward: Rebuilding Leadership for a Stronger Nepal

Addressing the leadership crisis in Nepalese political parties requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, parties must prioritize internal democracy and create meaningful opportunities for young and emerging leaders to participate in decision-making processes.

This can be achieved by establishing transparent, merit-based systems for leadership selection and promotion.

However, by cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to national development, Nepal can overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential as a vibrant and prosperous democracy. The time for change is now—Nepal’s future depends on it.

Additionally, political parties must invest in comprehensive leadership development programs that equip members with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical values. These programs should emphasize servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain.

Furthermore, political leaders must uphold a clear ideological framework and foster a shared vision within their parties. They must remain committed to the party’s core values and focus on achieving long-term national goals rather than seeking short-term victories.

Implementing these changes will require a cultural shift within political parties, where national interest takes precedence over personal allegiance. By fostering a leadership culture based on integrity, competence, and accountability, Nepalese political parties can rebuild public trust and pave the way for sustainable governance and development.

The leadership crisis in Nepalese political parties remains a significant barrier to the country’s progress.

However, by cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to national development, Nepal can overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential as a vibrant and prosperous democracy. The time for change is now—Nepal’s future depends on it.

(The writer is an international development practitioner and humanitarian aid worker currently living and working in Chad, Central Africa. He can be reached at ktyadab@gmail.com)