Novel Technique To Attract Voters

Bini Dahal

The Election Commission, Nepal (ECN) is preparing in a full swing to hold elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Provincial Assemblies in the next 10 days. Fair and credible elections are an integral part of democracy. They are held to provide an opportunity for people to vote for the candidates of their preference. When voted to power, such representatives are supposed to work towards bringing about noticeable desired changes while ensuring the people’s well-being. 

Every candidate hopes to earn the trust of the people and taste victory. But competitions can be very fierce. So, all the political parties and candidates try their best to stand out through their election campaigns. Over the years, canvassing has evolved. While the practice of door-to-door campaigning is still intact, candidates and political parties are found making use of mass media to the fullest. It is amusing to see mainstream political parties promoting their candidates and agendas with the help of music videos. And mind you, these music videos are of good quality and can easily come off as expensive lok dohori videos. 

What is more interesting is that they have invested much time, effort, money and creativity in making these videos. This is not the end. Making music videos is one of many electioneering techniques. News reports have shown how candidates in rural areas have personally gone to every voter’s home and helped them with different chores that include planting crops, harvesting rice and other crops and even running a traditional grinder. 

Amidst all these, a big question arises: whether these promotional efforts are truly effective or not. On one hand, for instance, an election campaign could be of no use for such voters who have already made up their mind to vote for a certain party or candidate. On the other hand, an election campaign could be a good way of introducing candidates and their agendas to the people in the rural setting. Door-to-door campaigning can provide candidates with a medium to attract and influence voters. But at the end of the day, every voter is different. A particular candidate’s election campaign could influence one positively or s/he could ignore it completely. 

Despite all this, candidates will try their best to make use of every opportunity they get to promote themselves. With changing times, political awareness has drastically increased in the country. The people now have gained the ability to differentiate between empty words and true actions. They want results. Elections should not be just limited to candidates and their tall promises. Like the way the candidates have gone over the top to influence voters, even after winning, they should stretch themselves out to work better for the people. 

A developing country like Nepal is in need of visionary and truthful leadership. Let people’s quest for positive change and well-being be fulfilled with the upcoming elections. It is true that only fair and committed leadership can deliver on their promises. As every vote counts much, voters must cast their ballot only for genuine candidates who could carry out their mandate accordingly. Only then can voters feel a change. Now, what is left to see is whether the winning candidate or the leadership will continue to be people-oriented after being in the position. Or will the same vicious cycle of no development and no progress continue in the country?