KATHMANDU: National Assembly (NA) Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal has said that the significance of celebrating Democracy Day lies in pledging to protect and strengthen democratic values and to take forward the democratic system in an effective and accountable manner.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Democracy Day today, the Chairman of the upper house of the Federal Parliament, Dahal, stated that the parliament is an important institution for the promotion and consolidation of democracy.He has also greeted all the Nepalis within the country and abroad on the occasion.

“The National Assembly has continuously been active in policy-making, legislative management, the institutional development of democratic practices, the protection of citizens’ rights, and matters of national interest,” Chairperson Dahal said in the message.

Paying heartfelt tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the political change of 2007 BS, he expressed deep respect for all the warriors who contributed at various times in the historic people’s struggles and movements for the country’s progressive change and the establishment of a democratic republic.

Chairman Dalal has expressed his wish that Democracy Day should inspire everyone to unite and move forward for the federal democratic republic, national sovereignty, freedom of expression, and the prosperity and development of the country.

Similarly, the National Assembly Vice-Chairperson Bimala Ghimire in her message of best wishes on the occasion stated that emphasis has been given on paying attention to the operation of the state governance system in accordance with the essence and sentiment of the constitution.

On the occasion of the Democracy Day, she has expressed the belief that the Day provides inspiration to engage in that work.

Vice Chairperson Ghimire has also noted the necessity of focusing on the implementation of citizens’ fundamental rights and human rights, ensuring the equitable and harmonious distribution of the benefits of democracy.

She expressed confidence that, since citizens express their opinions through elections in a democracy, the House of Representatives election on March 5 will select a leadership capable of further strengthening democracy and addressing citizens’ livelihood issues.