2. NEPAL – A Third Wavenation
Nepal is considered as a ‘third wave’ nation that won its democracy in 1990.
Though the head of the nation was king, the real powers lied in the hand of
elected representatives.
This transition was accepted by king Birendra who was then killed in family
conspiracy in 2001.
King Gyanendra, the new king was not ready to accept this change and he
started reducing the power of elected government and in 2005 he dismissed
the Prime Minister he gained all powers in his hand.
The aim of 2006 movement was to get control of power from the king. All
political parties came together to form SPA and Maoist also joined them.
They demanded three things restoration of parliament, power to an all-party
government and a new constituent assembly.
People started joining the struggle and ultimately king had to retreat from his
post and Girija Prasad Koirala was selected as Prime Minister and
democracy was restored.
3. BOLIVIA’S WATER WAR
Example of Bolivia’s water struggle reminds us that the role of
struggle does not end with the established of Democracy but it
is integral to the working of Democracy also.
Bolivia had elected government but due to the pressure of
World bank, the elected government had to give water
distribution contract to MNC of the city of Cochabamba.
This led to increase of water price and in 2000 people came
together and struggled to cancel the contract.
Government brutally suppressed the movement in January and
February. It was re-launched in April with more support of the
people and political party. Government tried to impose martial
law. But this time people succeeded and water distribution was
restored to Municipal Corporation.
4. OUTCOMES of Nepal & Bolivia
Democracy evolves through popular struggles and
movements. Struggles take place between the groups or
people who have the powers and who want to have the
powers. Movements take place in all phases of
democracy – transition of democracy, expansion of
democracy and deepening of democracy.
Democratic conflicts are resolved through mass
mobilization. No movement is successful without public
support and involvement.
These political disputes are based on political
organizations. The struggle is not successful till people
gather effectively with political support.
5. Similarities & Differences
Similarities Differences
1. Both movements were successful 1. Causes for the struggles were
different at both the places. Nepal –
restoring democracy and Bolivia –
water disputes
2. Both were mass mobilization 2. In Nepal movement was against
and politically organized. SPA in the king and in Bolivia it was
Nepal & FEDECOR in Bolivia worked against the elected govt.
as pressure groups
3. Both were successful in the 3. In Nepal, Political parties started
second attempt and people supported and in Bolivia
people started and political parties
supported
6. Interest & Movements Groups
Interest groups are formed by the people of
common interest to influence government
policies and fulfill their demands.
They indirectly participate in politics in the form
of movements. But movements are slightly
different than the interest groups.
Movements have loose organization
Decision making is more informal and flexible.
Support of the people is spontaneous and uncertain.
7. Section & Public/Promotional Groups
Sectional interest Groups Public/Promotional Interest
Groups
1. These represent the particular
section of the society
1. These are made to promote the
interest of society rather than own.
2. These groups work for selective
objectives
2. These work for collective objectives
3. These work for longer period of
time.
3. These work till their objectives are
achieved.
4. Their objectives are more in
number.
4. Their objectives are limited in
number.
8. MOVEMENT GROUPS
Most of the movements are issue-specific movements that
seek to achieve a single objective within a limited time frame.
Others are more general or generic movements that seek to
achieve a broad goal in the very long term.
Movements are for short period as well as for longer period
also.
Movements with specific issue have a clear leadership and
some organizations.
Movements with broader issues have more organizations
involved and separate leadership for each separate
organization.
Sometimes these broad movements have loose organization.
9. How Pressure Groups & Movements
Influence Politics?
Public Support: They try for public support
and sympathy for their cause through
media.
Protest Activities: These groups practice
mass activities to drag the attention of the
government.
Appointment of lobbyist: Some work as
adviser to government and commercial
committees.
10. Relation Between Politics &
Pressure Groups
Sometimes political parties come
forward and form pressure groups.
Some pressure groups turn themselvesinto
political parties.
Leadership of political parties comes
from the leadership of pressure groups.
11. Are Pressure Groups Healthy
For Democracy?
Opinions of people are listened.
Participation of the people in democratic
process increase.
They help in balancing the power by
contour balancing other and help in
deepening the democracy.
