Election Manifestoes Must Be Realistic

Parmeshwar Devkota

An election manifesto should be written in a way that must answer questions related to identity and performance of the candidates. They should also convince the voters on the questions - what they will do for the people after being elected and why they should vote for them in place of others. 

The political parties that have recently unveiled their manifestoes for the upcoming federal and provincial polls have not addressed these questions. The ruling Nepali Congress brought out 52-page long manifesto incorporating various aspects of life. It has mentioned party’s long and glorious history and vows to promote balance foreign policy. It carries a list of commitments ranging from unemployment allowance to cent per cent enrolment of children. It promises to reform the agricultural sector, and promote industrial development and tourism. 

Similarly, Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist Centre’s 81-page manifesto shows strong commitments to stability and prosperity. Its pledge for the amendments to the constitution and change of the system of governance are main points of attraction. CPN Unified Socialist party pledges to change the existing electoral system. The logic behind this is that the present system is expensive. It aims at changing the present provision of the statute, because a single political party can hardly form the government while the coalition government often struggles to function effectively. 

The common thing among above mentioned political parties is that they have not disclose their shortcomings while in power, and came down heavily on CPN-UML party for its role in the parliament. UML is not different from other parties either. Its election manifesto makes more promises than other parties combined. It makes over twenty promises to return to power. Resolving citizenship issues is one of the most interesting agenda it has put forward. For achieving prosperity, it has called for policies and structural reforms. 

The interesting part of the all manifestos is that they have given equal emphasis to every sector of life. And, in some instances their promises seem dull and have been made merely to woo the voters. Giving equal emphasis to every sector of life means giving little focus on particular public issues. Until and unless the political parties prioritise certain sectors, the prosperity remains a distant dream. 

In our contexts, agriculture should be given top priority. New technology should be imported to promote agriculture sector and cultivate the barren land. The establishment of small scale industries will help reduce unemployment rate. So, the politicians should champion to establish the cottage industries which will certainly help bring prosperity. 

Although the tourism sector suffered the most due to COVID-19, it has brighter prospect. Religious and adventure tourism should also be promoted because the infrastructure development for the tourism will help many people to come out vicious cycle of poverty.  So, the present day political parties and leaders should prioritise certain sector to achieve the inclusive economic growth.