KATHMANDU, Feb. 19 -- The state of democracy in Nepal's political parties has been a topic of debate from various perspectives, particularly since the establishment of multi-party democracy in 1990. Despite three decades since democracy's restoration in the country, criticisms persist regarding an autocratic style of operation within the parties. This issue was discussed at the Nepal Literature Festival in Pokhara, under the theme "How Democratic are the parties?"

The session was facilitated by Kamal Dev Bhattarai, editor of The Annapurna Express. Speakers included Nepali Congress (NC) leader Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, CPN-UML Chief Whip Padam Giri, CPN (Maoist Center) leader Madhav Sapkota, and expert Sucheta Pyakurel.

NC leader Bishwaka...