Kathmandu, June 30 -- Better governance outcomes are possible only when local politicians become more flexible and open-minded to share leadership roles with the chief administrative officers

Local leadership matters because local leaders are expected to make a positive difference in the communities they lead. That's precisely why Nepali people have elected 753 city mayors and village chairpersons to lead local governments under federal system. But how effective have our local leaders been in the last two years? If the mainstream media reports are anything to go by, the situation is not very encouraging. So what is missing?

Success of elected local leaders is largely determined by their ability to adapt their governing approach to local...