Political parties continue to serve as the backbone of democratic representation, yet their internal functioning increasingly appears distant from the ideals they publicly endorse. In Nepal’s evolving democratic landscape, long shaped by mass movements and institutional change, concerns have emerged around weakened intra-party democracy, centralised leadership structures, and limited space for internal debate. These dynamics raise deeper questions about accountability, political renewal, and the health of democratic culture.
With extensive experience in public life and political observation, Hari Sharma reflects on how Nepal’s party system has changed over time. He underscores the need for parties to rebuild participatory norms, strengthen transparency, and create genuine spaces for deliberation within their organisational structures.
The text is an abridged and translated version of the January 2026 edition of Sambaad @ Samriddhi. Sambaad @ Samriddhi is a monthly discussion on contemporary issues. In this edition, Mr. Sudheer Sharma, a Kathmandu-based journalist and writer, widely recognized in Nepali media for a journalism career spanning nearly three decades, shares his insights on Nepal’s geopolitical reality.This discussion was moderated by Robin Sitoula.
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