In defense of federalism

A sense of panic has taken over the nation ever since the Madhesi movement forced all the key political players to virtually accept federalism as the state structure of future Nepal. Until then, the parties had, in speech, supported the cause – but clearly with no intentions of seeing through with it, as is so typical of our dysfunctional democracy. And now that everyone, eager not to miss out on the substantial ethnic voters, has accepted it, suddenly there is talk about the disintegration of Nepal. Even the king took the hint of the normal mood, and considering himself the symbol of unity, ventured out again to defend his royal takeover.

A sense of panic has taken over the nation ever since the Madhesi movement forced all the key political players to virtually accept federalism as the state structure of future Nepal. Until then, the parties had, in speech, supported the cause – but clearly with no intentions of seeing through with it, as is so typical of our dysfunctional democracy. And now that everyone, eager not to miss out on the substantial ethnic voters, has accepted it, suddenly there is talk about the disintegration of Nepal. Even the king took the hint of the normal mood, and considering himself the symbol of unity, ventured out again to defend his royal takeover. It is as if anarchy will be unleashed in the nation if federalism is accepted. A nation that had downright repressed all ethnic minorities, forcing them to one costume, one language, and one political center, has suddenly become aware of the rights of the minorities – albeit, rights of the minorities who are going to be living in the federal zones. Whereas before everyone agreed that decentralization was a failed cause in Nepal, only a political rhetoric, have suddenly started asking – since when did decentralization become an obsolete goal to be replaced by federalism?

To put it plain and simple, decentralization can only be achieved through federalism. The right to self determination of ethnic minorities can only be achieved through federalism. A just and inclusive society can only be achieved through federalism. Until there is a unitary state structure, the same privileged minority will continue to dominate the political, economic and social sectors. The fear of federalism is the fear of the status quo that it will finally have to relinquish control of the nation.

To put things into perspective, minorities that demand autonomous federal zones will not oppress the minorities within their zones – they have suffered enough of that to know better. In fact, they will ensure the proper representation of these minorities within their legislative and executive structures. To interpret otherwise is shallow thinking, and reminiscent of their own mentalities where it is only too natural for the majority to oppress minorities. A simple democracy of majority is tyranny of the majority, a political system thoroughly discredited. Centralized democracy with the simple rule of majority has a civil war waiting to hatch inside it. And have we not seen that in our own country before? For too long had Nepali people lived according to the dictates of Kathmandu, an uprising was always in the coming.

Only if there are major political centers outside Kathmandu, and not just economic centers (where no one worries about the dominance of Rana and Shah businessmen, but are extremely wary of Marwaris), decentralization is an impossible ideal. And without decentralization, we cannot achieve sustainable peace, sustainable development, or sustainable progress of marginalized and underprivileged communities. A centralized system cannot effectively combat corruption; a centralized system cannot understand or address localized problems.

Here we have in front of an opportunity to radically restructure Nepal, and without restructuring there is no reason why what has been continually repeated in the last 238 years not repeat itself. As the feeblest argument, if what we have had until now has failed us time and again, why not give something radically new a shot?