Nepal, March 18 -- Nepal stands at an important political moment. With the possibility that Balendra Shah may assume the office of prime minister, expectations are amassing across the country about the direction of governance reform. Among the many policy questions ahead, one stands out: The need to strengthen Nepal's federal system.

During his election campaign, Shah repeatedly highlighted the incomplete implementation of federalism. Two of his interventions are particularly important: His speech in Janakpur on February 19 and his interaction with voters of Damak on March 3. Together, they point directly to the reforms the federal system now requires. If he becomes prime minister, the responsibility to translate those ideas into action ...