Nepal

WFD works to strengthen the UK-Nepal democratic and parliamentary relationship by sharing knowledge and best practices and exchanging experiences through bilateral as well as regional forums. WFD encourages and supports peer-to-peer learning between parliaments, MPs, and parliamentary staff, as well as one-on-one mentoring, meetings, national workshops, regional seminars, and international conferences. This work benefits and strengthens the functioning of parliamentary practitioners.

WFD supports Nepal in implementing the reforms promised under the Nepalese Constitution, including the devolution process. These reforms are intended to bring about better services for citizens, a more equal distribution of resources among the regions, greater levels of gender equality, and the inclusion of all Nepalis and their representatives in decision-making processes.

Political context

Nepal brought its constitution into effect in September 2015, fulfilling a decades-old wish of many Nepali people to write a statue through their elected representatives. The constitution, for the first time in Nepal’s history, brings together seven provinces in a federation and promises more robust social justice by, among other things, ensuring greater representation of previously underrepresented groups and sections of society in the political process. Federal parliament, provincial assemblies and local governments were elected in 2017.

Key areas of work

Supporting federal parliament and provincial assemblies to enhance their oversight responsibilities

WFD works closely with the federal parliament as well as provincial assemblies in Nepal to strengthen their capacity to oversee government actions. By promoting transparency, accountability, and effective scrutiny, WFD helps legislatures fulfil their democratic responsibilities. This support is essential for ensuring that laws and policies are implemented in ways that serve citizens’ interests. Capacity-building activities include peer learning, mentoring, and technical assistance.

Institutionalising parliamentary tools such as post-legislative scrutiny (PLS)

Post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) is a key tool promoted by WFD to improve accountability and effectiveness in law-making. By encouraging parliaments to evaluate how laws are implemented or impacted, WFD helps ensure that legislation achieves its intended outcomes and reflects public needs. WFD supports PLS through training, mentoring, research studies, and the development of guidelines and frameworks.

Supporting media and civil society to engage with the parliament

WFD supports in building the capacity of parliamentary journalists, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to understand and engage with parliamentary processes. Through training, networking, and collaboration, these groups are empowered to monitor public policy, hold leaders accountable, and amplify the voices of structurally disadvantaged communities. Our work enhances transparency and citizen participation in governance.

Strengthening federalism and its processes

WFD supports the implementation of Nepal’s federal system by facilitating dialogue and coordination between the three tiers of government. Activities focus on building intergovernmental cooperation, increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, and promoting inclusive governance. By working with lawmakers, civil society, and media, WFD helps embed federalism as a functional and sustainable political system. This contributes to more equitable service delivery and strengthens democracy.

Current programmes

Improving accountability through more robust parliamentary scrutiny of government performance

This programme enhances parliamentary scrutiny of government performance through mentoring and technical advice provided to targeted Members of Provincial Assemblies (MPAs), including elected women political leaders, and committees, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, capacity, and skills to strengthen their oversight functions.

Status

Underway

Start date

September 2023

Planned end date

March 2026

Completed programmes

Strengthening provincial oversight and accountability

Enhanced transparency and governance by promoting parliamentary scrutiny of provincial government performance.

Status

Completed

Strengthening federalism and its processes

Supported federal process by encouraging post-legislative expertise sharing, empowering women MPs for intergovernmental coordination, and engaging with CSOs and media across different provinces.

Status

Completed

Key results

Collaborated with federal parliament and provincial assemblies to introduce post-legislative scrutiny (PLS), which led to the assessment of at least 17 different laws at the federal parliament and two laws at provincial level.

Worked with first-time women MPs from structurally disadvantaged groups, focusing on their efforts to make their work more visible and challenge patriarchal norms.

Supported efforts to conduct, monitor, and disseminate research on cases of online violence against women political activists in Nepal.

Supported efforts to address electoral misinformation and disinformation.

A blue icon with an illustration of globe in the middle with illustration of people connected on all four directions

Trained and provided networking opportunity to media and civil society organisations on parliamentary practices, issues related to marginalised population, and open parliament.