KATHMANDU, June 29: There is a widely accepted norm in the democratic system – heads of state, either sitting or retired, should not return to active politics as their office is the one that symbolizes political unity. Returning to active politics sets a bad precedent as their successors would undermine the apolitical nature of their office by interfering with active politics.
In the Nepali political landscape, these non-binding ethical norms and conventions seem to wield no restraint on leaders whose political thirsts for power remain unquenched even after holding office as the head of state.
In an ominous sign, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari announced on Saturday that she has returned to party politics by renewing her membership of CPN-UML.
Former President Bhandari made the announcement while addressing a function organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Saturday.
Even when her predecessor Ram Baran Yadav remains distant from Nepali Congress’ party politics, Bhandari has decided not to remain neutral. Her return to party politics follows in the footsteps of former Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, who returned to party politics of main opposition party CPN (Maoist Center).
Former Prez Bhandari set to announce return to active politics...
Political analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta argued that although the constitution does not restrict such a political move, former president Bhandari’s return to active politics deals a heavy blow to intergenerational justice in party politics and sets wrong precedents.
“Former President Bhandari’s return to active politics is not unconstitutional and her supporters might claim that her return was warranted by the need of the party and the country,” Bhatta told Republica, “But is her return to politics justifiable against the backdrop of need of intergenerational political transition?”
Constitution expert Dr Bhimarjun Acharya clarified that Bhandari’s move undermines the values and spirit of the constitution which are equally important as the text of the constitution.
“The text of the constitution does not specify every move that the president ought not do. The norms, values and spirit of the constitution may not be included in the constitution’s text, but they are as important as the written constitution,” he told Republica. “As per the spirit of the constitution, the head of state has been considered to be a neutral citizen of the country, who is also the guardian of the state. When a person who has assumed such a position returns to active politics, the position loses its dignity.”
Political observer and foreign affairs expert Dr Nischal Nath Pandey drew a comparison between Bhandari’s move and the political practice in India whereby it would be unthinkable for a former head of state to return to active politics.
“At the very least, a head of state returning to active politics is unthinkable in India which also follows the same type of parliamentary democracy as Nepal,” he said, “None of India’s former presidents have returned back to active politics and have instead stayed a senior citizen of the state.”
According to analyst Bhatta, Bhandari has snuffed out the opportunity for new faces in UML’s party politics as well as national politics and sets a dismal example for future generations of politicians.
“When an individual who has held the highest position of the state returns to active politics it does not simply highlight their political interest,” he said, “Rather, it diminishes the neutrality and credibility of the position.”
While Bhandari’s return to politics is itself a noteworthy development, speculation within the UML circles is focused on her possible bid for a leadership role in the party—rumors that have persisted since the end of her second presidential term.
In recent months, Bhandari has stepped up her political engagements through the Madan Bhandari Foundation and even made a high-profile visit to China. Her close aides claim she returned with goodwill messages and the cause of communist unity. Against this backdrop, Saturday’s event is seen as politically significant.
Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Oli reportedly met on June 19, during which Bhandari is said to have urged Oli to support her leadership ambitions. While Oli’s response remains unclear, he has frequently reiterated that he is “still young” and capable of leading the party for another 20 years.
