28 December 2022, NIICE Commentary 8460
Sagar Jung Karki
In every country, politics is at the foremost level and directs the overall course of the country. And therefore, capable and meritocratic politicians are necessary to drive the nation. As the famous American biographer and political pundit Doris Kearns Goodwin quotes, “A real democracy would be a meritocracy where those born in the lower ranks could rise as far as their natural talents and discipline might take them”. This quote rightly portrays the need for meritocracy to be enshrined in the political system of any democratic country. Merriam-Webster defines meritocracy as a system, group, or culture where people are selected for advancement into successful, powerful, and influential roles based on their merit and shown ability.
Although historically a western phenomenon, political meritocracy can be recently evident in emerging countries such as India and China both of whom are Nepal’s neighbours and have seen a tremendous socio-economic transformation. Even though there are both proponents and detractors of political meritocracy, it has proven to be successful in transforming many countries, especially during their key periods of transition. Nepal too needs capable leadership based on merit as it is in many ways at the crossroads especially as it transitions from LDC to a middle-income country with a vibrant democratic and economic environment. The recent election results in Nepal exhibited in a way the aspiration of people to vote for meritocratic and young candidates rather than the traditionally elected ones. The trend was especially true in the urban areas such as the Kathmandu valley where they swap the election. Furthermore, the drift in the voter’s psyche has made this election the first one where youths and intellects have shown such keen interest in the political candidates and, thereby, in the future of the nation. Now that the new government has been formed it is obvious that new appointments will be made across the various government departments and agencies and people expect those are made based on merit.
Traditionally, Nepalese politics has accepted experience and age as a measurement of merit. For instance, a person with certain years of experience in a political party by holding several key positions becomes the leader of the party and in the parliament. There is a misperception of age and experience as a means of seniority. Whenever people climb the ladder without any accountable results and delivery which is not meritocracy. Furthermore, the number of years spent in jail and the involvement in protests are also used as a measure of merit in Nepalese politics. On the other hand, in many developed and developing countries, education and delivery are regarded as merit. For instance, in the recent party election in the UK, Oxford-educated Rishi Sunak was elected as leader of the conservative party, who had also shown his merit by delivering as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sunak was also the second youngest prime minister in the history of the UK and surprisingly in a party where more than 60 percent of the members are aged 55 or above. Nepalese polity too needs to embrace meritocracy as it is the need of the hour and also in the interest of the people.
Need for Political Meritocracy
As Nepal prepares for graduation from LDC status in 2026, there is hope for starting a new phase of development. Nepal also needs to achieve most of the SDGs as outlined by the UN to be achieved by 2030. Furthermore, according to the data company Statista, the average life age of Nepalese is 24 years as of now and will be 40 years by 2050. This implies that we have a small window of time to utilise the youth force to achieve socio-economic development. For achieving these momentous tasks, there needs to be the right person at the right place. And only meritocracy can ensure that we have the right leaders in politics and positions of power who can through their expertise and capability deliver results to the nation. This is true at all levels of the government, including the federal, provincial, and local levels. The recent election has reminded the existing polity of the aspirations of the Nepalese people to leap forward and not be left behind anymore. Nepal must have more meritocratic leaders in the parliament and government to ensure timely delivery.
Meritocracy beyond isms
In many developed countries, we can observe meritocracy engrained as a political culture while in Nepal nepotism, cronyism and favouritism have been prevalent for a long time. These malpractices have devalued merit and normalised corruption, bribery, and suborning. As the new government is just formed in Nepal, people expect the ministers and key appointments in government departments to be based on merit. When ministers and department heads are appointed based on merit and are knowledgeable then they are well-positioned and knowledgeable to deliver more efficiently and effectively than others. In this regard, the proportional system in Nepalese elections has often been criticised for not serving the purpose but rather a tool to bring the near and dear ones into the parliament. One point of improvement can start by bringing up meritocratic candidates by all parties in the elections. There is also a need to make political culture in universities more civilised and constructive rather than making it just a playground for political leaders. Furthermore, politics should be developed into a platform for social service that prioritises delivery and not a business that gives a return on investment. If politicians and parties in power recognise meritocracy is something beyond petty political ideologies and self-interest, then only it can there be effective.
Way forward
The Nepalese polity has to normalise the practice of recognizing and appreciating competence and expertise. Certain changes in laws may also be required to institutionalise meritocracy in politics including the minimum qualifications required to be a member of the parliament or the central member of the political party. The political meritocracy should also be inclusive meaning that the representation of marginalised and underrepresented sections of society is ensured. Nepal being in a critical socio-economic junction with a favourable demographic dividend requires more number of qualified, expert, and experienced leaders to navigate the nation toward the path of development. Furthermore, in this era of globalization and intense competition, whether it is to attract investment or promote bilateral/multilateral trade, achieve middle-income status or promote good governance, achieve SDGs or strengthen democracy and geopolitics, the country is in dire need of capable, educated, and expert leaders. Having said that there is no denying that the development of a mature political culture is a gradual process that requires a suitable environment, including informed and literate voters, a reasonably affluent population, and political and policy stability. However, Nepal needs to expedite the process of developing a meritocracy-based political culture because of the massive goals that lie ahead of the nation.
Sagar Jung Karki is a Research Intern at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies, Nepal and has M.Sc. in International Business from the University of the West of England, UK.
