KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that changes in the political system and governance structure alone are insufficient to fulfill the expectations of the present era, stressing the need for transformation in the character, conduct, integrity, and values of the state apparatus.

Addressing a special ceremony at Sainik Manch on the occasion of Republic Day today, President Paudel warned that political change would lose its meaning if it is not reflected in practice and governance.

“To make the republic meaningful, we must transform the character, conduct, political integrity, and values of the state mechanism,” he said, adding that politics and governance must remain within the boundaries of morality and accountability.

The President called for collective efforts to safeguard and strengthen the dignity of the federal democratic republic through good governance, social justice, development, and prosperity.

He said political parties, leaders, and state institutions must become more democratic, impartial, disciplined, accountable, and result-oriented.

President Paudel noted that the recent parliamentary elections and the formation of a government with a strong public mandate have created an opportunity to advance governance reform, improve public service delivery, revive the economy, and enforce zero tolerance against corruption.

He expressed confidence that structural and legal reforms, along with the effective implementation of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda, would restore hope among citizens.

Highlighting delay, irregularities, and anomalies as major obstacles, the President cautioned that such practices could weaken public trust in the democratic republic.

“The goal of the federal democratic republic will remain incomplete until every citizen experiences hope and prosperity in daily life,” he said.

The President also stressed the importance of maximizing the use of national resources to achieve economic growth and social prosperity.

He said political achievements alone cannot connect governance with citizens unless politics, leadership, and state institutions undergo meaningful reform.

Paudel further stated that local and provincial governments are exercising constitutional responsibilities effectively, helping strengthen democratic practices and bring governance closer to the people.