Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that a change of the political system and governance structure alone is not enough to fulfil the aspirations of the times.
Addressing a special ceremony organised at the Army Pavilion on the occasion of the 19th Republic Day on Friday, he said changes are also needed in the character of state power, conduct, political commitment, and core values. “Otherwise, political change will not be reflected in practice,” Paudel said.
He added that political commitment, values, and conduct must change, and that all sides must work together to protect and further strengthen the dignity of the republic. “It has its own values and ethical boundaries. If we forget them, we cannot fulfil the historical responsibility before us,” the President said.
He expressed confidence that the day would inspire efforts to advance social justice, development, and prosperity through the meaningful practice of the federal democratic republic, while ensuring that politics, the state, and governance remain bound by ethics, integrity, and values.
Referring to the difficult circumstances the country had faced, President Paudel said the House of Representatives election was completed and that a government with a strong mandate had been formed. “The new government has prioritize good governance, improvement in public service delivery, economic recovery, zero tolerance against corruption, and social advancement in line with public aspirations for prosperity,” he said, expressing confidence that the government’s decision to fully implement the 100-point governance reform agenda, along with structural and legal reforms aimed at promoting a borderless economy and weightless trade, would raise public hope.
Stating that delays, irregularities, and disorder were the country’s main enemies, the President said attention must be paid to ensuring that such problems do not discourage citizens who carry the dream of a democratic republic.
President Paudel also said that local and provincial governments are carrying out their constitutional responsibilities and that sovereignty is being exercised from the doorsteps of the people through the current governance system. “A liberal and progressive democratic practice is taking shape where people’s grievances can be addressed through governance structures themselves, and this strengthens the foundation of democracy,” he said.
