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A group of Nepalese youth politicians visited Finland in October 2008 to learn about the country’s political system and observe how municipal elections are conducted. They were impressed by the practical working of the political system, but surprised to notice a lack of interest in politics among young Finns. Many wondered at the absence of enthusiasm and idealism among Finnish youngsters.
Until just a few years ago, Nepal was torn by both a prolonged civil war between the government and Maoist rebels in the mountains, and a power struggle between monarchists and republicans. The King was eventually overthrown, the national government is now led by former rebels, and the whole country is undergoing rapid social and political change.
Youth representatives of the largest Nepalese parties from the Maoists to the Congress Party were invited to Finland by Political Parties of Finland for Democracy (Demo Finland). The visit served to bring young people from different Nepalese youth organisations together to discuss the future of their country and consider ways to increase the political influence of young people in Nepal.
Why aren't young Finns interested in politics?
During their visit, the Nepalese youth representatives were especially keen to see for themselves how Finland’s electoral procedures and welfare system work.
Manish Kumar of the Nepalese Youth Forum appreciated the chance to gain first hand information about Finland’s electoral system by closely following campaigning and voting during the 2008 municipal elections. "It was also interesting to learn about Finland’s youth council, as we are setting up a similar system in Nepal," said Kumar.
The views of young people are often neglected by Nepalese political parties, even though young people make up more than half of the population. "In Finland the State has really taken up issues first brought up by young people," noted Uma Bhujel.
But the visitors felt that young Finns do not appreciate their own political influence. "Interest in politics among Finnish youth is surprisingly low. Finnish politics lacks elements that might attract them. There also seem to be no connections between the political parties and the grassroots level," said Bhujel.
 Bhujel was recently elected to the Constituent Assembly responsible for drafting Nepal’s new constitution, as a representative of the youth wing of the Maoist Communist Party.
Both Bhujel and Arjun Pariyar, chair of the student organisation of Nepal’s Dalits (the lowest ‘untouchables’ caste), were impressed by Finnish political parties’ efforts to collaborate. "I think it’s that kind of co-operation that has enabled Finland to go so far," said Pariyar.
The programme organised by Demo Finland for the Nepalese visitors did not only aim to show visitors from a developing country how democracy works in Finland. Another main objective was to establish a genuine dialogue between youth politicians from both countries. As part of the same project a delegation from Finnish youth organisations visited Nepal in spring 2008. Demo Finland also runs a Nepal working group, made up of representatives from political student and youth organisations.
What can young Finns learn from Nepalese youth? According to Pariyar, young people in Nepal are deeply committed to political issues and ideals: "Youth participation in politics is strong and robust."
Nepal's future still to take shape
Nepal is changing rapidly. "Now that people can trust democratic processes, we have to repay this trust by getting people involved socially, politically and economically. Before, issues related to gender, caste or ethnicity just weren’t addressed in our country," said Pariyar.
The debate about Nepal’s future is currently focusing on a new constitution, currently being drafted. According to Uma Bhujel, the new constitution must defend women and marginalised groups.
Many barriers still remain to the full participation of women in Nepalese society – not least the fact that only half of the country’s women are literate. Bhujel believes that women need stronger political representation to get their voice heard. Discriminatory legislation, such as the limiting of the right of inheritance to boys, must be repealed.
Bhujel is also ready to combat traditional forms of discrimination: "Violence against women, forced marriages and dowries must all be ended, and we have to get women out of the kitchen and into working life – with the same wages as men."
According to Manish Kumar, the ongoing changes represent a genuine opportunity for real improvements.
"I'm expecting miracles: if the political leaders act on their responsibility, equality can become a reality over the next 20 years for ethnic minorities, women and the Dalits. At the same time we can create wealth from our natural resources: fertile land, forests, water, skilled people, and the open spaces we have to offer tourists," explained the youth leader.
Without such improvements the outlook could be bleak. "If social changes aren’t realised, Nepal would undergo a counterrevolution, and we would become a failed state," predicted Kumar.
BY PERTTU ISO-MARKKU
Nepal - one of the world's poorest countries
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Nepal is located between China and India. Its territory includes the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest.
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Nepal has almost 30 million inhabitants.
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A decade of civil war between government forces and Maoist rebels ended in 2006.
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Elections held in April 2008 resulted in the formation of a Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting Nepal’s new constitution.
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The Maoist Communist Party, made up of former rebels, won the largest share of votes, and party leader Prachanda subsequently became prime minister.
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Nepal’s 240-year monarchy ended in May 2008 when the country officially became a republic.
DEMO Finland
Töölöntorinkatu 2 B, 00260 Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358 9 231 50580 | Fax +358 9 231 50520 |
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