UML leader accuses govt of veering toward 'elected authoritarianism' within 100 days

KATHMANDU, July 6: CPN-UML lawmaker Guru Baral has accused the government of abandoning democratic values and moving toward "elected authoritarianism" within its first 100 days in office.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday, lawmaker Baral alleged that the government had failed to uphold democratic norms, the rule of law and sound economic governance. He also expressed serious dissatisfaction over what he described as contradictory statements by ruling coalition leaders on constitutional amendment and the process initiated by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

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Baral also criticized the passage of the House of Representatives Rules of Procedure, claiming they had been pushed through forcefully in a manner that undermined parliamentary practice and democratic values. "The manner in which the House Rules of Procedure were forced through has embarrassed the ruling parties themselves," he said. "Some provisions of the rules violate the spirit of the rule of law. Parliament's declaration placing a special law above criminal law has raised serious constitutional questions."

The UML lawmaker further accused the government of undermining the rule of law by failing to conduct impartial investigations into allegations of illicit wealth accumulation and irregularities involving ministers. "Instead of ensuring an independent investigation, the government has become both the accused and the judge," he said.

Baral also claimed that the government had continued to interfere with constitutional rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the independence of constitutional commissions. He further objected to a directive issued by the Office of the Attorney General to postpone hearings in cases related to the decade-long insurgency. He also questioned the government's silence on issues concerning the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission and the National Human Rights Commission during the House meeting.