The recent activism of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has shown auspicious signs in the fight against corruption in Nepal. In the month of May alone, 26 cases, 6 cases on the same day and big cases filed with former prime minister to parliamentarians as defendants have sent the message of zero tolerance towards corruption.
The 185 million to 3.5 billion bigo demand exposes the depth of corruption and the damage it has caused to the nation. This speed and determination is admirable but it is only the beginning.
However, the controversy over constitutional appointments and the appointment of 52 officials pending in the Supreme Court has raised serious questions. The argument of the writ petitioners that the appointments made by adapting the provisions of the Constitutional Council through the Ordinance has struck against the spirit of the Constitution is relevant. Such appointments made by circumventing the parliamentary hearings and based on the rules of dissolution of the parliament are a blow to democratic values and good governance. The upcoming judgment of the Supreme Court will guide the legality and future direction of such procedures.
In this situation, it is imperative to be free from political pressure to maintain the activism shown by the authority. Whether in power or opposition, no one should be above the law. The foundation of good governance can only be strengthened by having the courage to bring all ex-prime ministers, parliamentarians or high-ranking officials to court equally. Also, there should be no delay in making the appointment process of constitutional bodies transparent, independent and constitutional. There must be no compromise in this fight against corruption if we dream of good governance. By continuing this momentum of authority, stopping political interference and strengthening the constitutional process, Nepal can take the path of good governance in the true sense. The responsibility to turn this auspicious sign into perfection is now on all of us
– Santosh Simkhada , Tokyo, Japan
