In the past few months, there has been a to much discussion in
the national media. All about an acute need for an alternative ‘political’
force in Nepal. I am encouraged by this intellectual discourse which surely
will help build 21st century relevant leaders for Nepal. Thank you everyone who
have consistently kept this important agenda into the limelight.
2 years ago, Nepal was going through a
tumultuous period. A syndicate of incompetent political parties who had little
will or vision were taking turns ruling Nepal. Bitter political wrangling
topped as acute corruption was rapidly dismantling any good governance we had
left. All of a sudden, Nepal’s constitution building body was abruptly
dissolved, leaving behind a power vacuum with a deeply divided society.
At such crucial times, many Nepalese from different professions
and backgrounds came together and started searching for an answer to this “What
Next?” We publicly brainstormed for 22 continuous weeks taking feedbacks from
more than a 1,000 concerned Nepalese from all walks of life. Students, house-wives,
CEOs, teachers, social workers, businesswomen, everyone had one consistent
advice for us. “Only a 21st century relevant leadership carrying political
force would end this ever-growing crisis and help bring about lasting positive
transformation for Nepal.
It is identified todays leadership values/traits a political
force should have to lead us to a prosperous Nepal within a generation.
1.
Results oriented
pragmatic: A political force has to be simply results-oriented, with an
evolving, pragmatic philosophy to help meet that. Its foundation would rest on
at least these eight 21st century basic values; responsibility, accountability,
prosperity, empowerment, freedom, diversity, servant government and pragmatism.
2.
Follow the middle path
(balance): This progressive force follows a middle path whereby on one hand, it
inspires citizens to be responsible while simultaneously builds systems to hold
leaders accountable. It plays a delicate balancing act by enabling citizens to
become the agents of prosperity while also building a servant government system
that guarantees public welfare for those in need.
3.
Moderate views: This
moderate force has a leadership that prescribes balanced, pragmatic solutions
to keep this country united and progressive.
4.
Systematized: In
Nepal, the crux of the problem lies not in a person but in their system
(culture). Hence this political force will rely upon an effective system and
not on individual charismatic leaders. Its structure is made of 3
parallel ‘check and balance’ systems; the legislature, executive and judiciary.
Just like an effective 21st century democratic government. The legislature is
made of politicians who want to get in to government to rule (like any
traditional political party). The executive has managers and experts who
professionally manage the organization efficiently and transparently. The
judiciary has those whose primary goal is to keep up discipline, protect the
values (culture) and the constitution of the organization at all costs. These 3
wings independently and inter dependently work with each other to check and balance
each other. This ‘check and balance’ system makes this political force run
accountably, transparently and effectively.
5.
Self-reliant members: The
primary reason Nepal’s current political forces are corrupt and thus inept is
because their members (cadres) are often reliant upon others for their daily
livelihood. This problem has to be tackled at its roots. That is why any 21st
century relevant political force has to make sure its members become
self-reliant by being entrepreneurial or self-employed, or simply employed.
This way, the party members do not have to compromise on their ideals and
values because of their family’s livelihood concerns.
6.
Meritocratic
leadership building system: It consistently trains and produces leaders who not
only know how to get elected but also how to consistently deliver once they are
in the government. The leaders produced will be skilled at creating win-win
environments. Their contributions are calculated on the basis of their merits
and judged using scientific performance measurement systems.
7.
Transparent: It will
be a model of transparency for others. From fund-collection to expenses to
decisions, it will inject transparency into every level of its system.
8.
Regular leadership
change (regular power fluidity): In the end, absolute power and position
corrupts absolutely. That is why an alternate political force has to build a
system that regularly and consistently filters its leadership.
9.
Youth centric: Youths
will make the bulk of this political force. And thus it will be led by youthful
leadership who will enthusiastically spread its core values to all corners.
In conclusion, the end goal of any political force who wants to
stay relevant in 21st century Nepal should be to build a peaceful, prosperous
Nepal within our life-time.
