All-inclusive Elections

The adult franchise is a prerequisite in a democratic political system. The principle of the adult franchise adult franchise is a prerequisite in a democratic political system. The principles of the adult franchise are meant for ensuring the right to vote of eligible citizens without any discrimination irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, and so on. The election is a crucial democratic exercise that ensures people's participation in their decision-making process with direct or indirect representation.

The government has only the right to impose tax when it ensures the representation of the people. So, all stakeholders including the political parties and the government are responsible to create an environment conducive to conducting free and fair polls.

So, a peaceful and fearless environment is another prerequisite for the election under democratic governance. The election will fail to nurture the spirit of the constitution if the electorate cannot vote in a free and fearless manner. 

In this connection, Minister for Home Affairs Bal Krishna Khand the other day urged all political parties to participate in the local level elections scheduled for May 13. This is an occasion to strengthen the federal democratic republic system with the implementation of the new constitution through periodic elections.

Minister Khand also called upon those political parties of the country which have not participated in elections so far. The government is regularly holding meetings with the political parties which have not participated in the elections till now, particularly the ones led by Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ and CK Raut.

The Home Minister said that both the political parties are positive regarding their participation in the local polls. This is a very positive sign because people are in no mood to see any forces going against the present democratic setup achieved through hard struggle and sacrifices of the people. 

As negotiations are the key to including all stakeholders in the elections, the government's efforts are commendable. The legitimacy of elections will be established when all political parties participate in the elections. They represent people through ballots.

The government has an onerous responsibility to arrange sound security and a peaceful environment for polls. Holding talks with the disgruntled political parties, and providing security to the people and the electoral staff is important in this respect.

Definitely, local-level elections strengthen grassroots democracy where representatives who are truly familiar with the grievances and needs of the people are given a mandate. This is a time when people make a comprehensive evaluation of the outgoing representatives and seek fresh pledges from the aspiring candidates. These polls act as an acid test for local leaders to sift between false promises and true commitments. 

As reported in this daily, the Election Commission is carrying out poll preparations on a war footing and has already printed ballot papers for 46 districts. The commission says that out of 19.4 ballot papers required for upcoming local polls, a total of 9.5 million ballot papers have been printed so far. The ballot papers are being printed at the state-run Janak Education Materials Centre and about 800,000 ballot papers are being printed daily on average.

The EC has says that it has not received any financial aid from foreign donors for election purposes. It is a good signal toward the self-sufficient position of the country in holding the elections. There are various tasks that have to be carried out in pre-election, during the election and post-election time.

The government's efforts to bring all parties in the elections and assure a proper environment will win the trust of the people and provide an important impetus to a vital democratic exercise.