Parties' Participation In Polls Essential

Nepal has been passing through a quite challenging political transition with the success of the recent Gen Z movement.  The unexpected uprising has led to the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government and the formation of an interim government. Headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, the civilian government has been entrusted with the responsibilities of holding elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) within six months, investigating the abuse of power and authority by the Oli government and the massive devastation of public and private properties nationwide, and rampant corruption in the country. The new government appears to be serious about fulfilling its responsibilities.  

Upon its formation one month ago, it announced that the country would go to elections on March 5 next year. The government has also constituted a probe commission to bring responsible officials involved in killing innocent Gen Z protesters and those engaged in vandalism and destruction to justice. The investigation panel has begun carrying out its job.  With the date for the election just about 150 days away, the government and the Election Commission (EC) have already started making preparations for that important national event. The government has appealed to all the political parties to take part in the election actively, while the EC has made electoral schedules public. 

Electoral environment

As part of its effort to create a congenial electoral environment, the poll body has also begun holding consultations with different political parties and their leaders. What is equally noteworthy is that President Ramchandra Paudel, about one month ago, issued an ordinance to revise the poll laws to facilitate new voters to register for the elections. Immediately after the issuance of this ordinance, the EC has been working towards updating the voter list. With this initiative, a lot of youths have been enthusiastically getting their name registered on the voter list. Tens of thousands of new voters are expected to cast their first ballot this time. This may have significant implications for poll outcomes. 

The government also intends to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad. But, it may not be possible for the EC to make necessary arrangements for it as elections are round the corner. Earlier, the Supreme Court had issued a verdict, ordering the government to make preparations for providing voting rights to all Nepalis living overseas. Some 4 million Nepalis are believed to have been staying in a myriad of countries worldwide.

However, major political parties still seem to be in a state of confusion. They have yet to take a formal decision regarding their participation in the impending polls. Some old generation leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML are in favour of seeking a legal remedy for reestablishing the dissolved lower house of the federal parliament. But most leaders belonging to these parties are on the side of fresh elections. As restoring the HoR is not in the spirit of the Gen Z revolution, all the political parties are expected to rethink their plans and opt for polls to get a new mandate. Being responsible for consolidating democracy and safeguarding the constitution, the political parties must embrace changes and work for the welfare of the people and the country. 

Highlighting the importance of elections in the present context, President Paudel asked the parties to concentrate their efforts on the elections slated for March 5. He made this call at a joint meeting held recently with the representatives of various political parties and members of the interim government at his office at Shital Niwas. He also urged the government to enhance the security situation to conduct elections in a free, impartial and fearless manner. There is no doubt that free and fair elections are the bedrock of democracy, as they provide people with the opportunity to choose their representatives. They are the only credible means to bring disrupted politics back on track.  

A possible election security lapse is one of the prime issues raised by the political parties. They are still unsure whether the government will be able to restore the security situation. Massive arson of important public infrastructures and private property that the country witnessed on the second day of the Gen Z movement sent shock waves. Many weapons were also looted from the police. Besides, hundreds of inmates who escaped from numerous prisons across the country are still on the run. Some of those fugitives are involved in heinous crimes such as murder. Though the Nepal Police has been trying its best to recover the weapons and arrest the wrongdoers again, it has been successful in its mission alone. So, the looted arms and absconders have emerged as an additional election security threat.

Confidence

The government’s records show that more than 450 police posts were destroyed during the violent protests across the country. Some police personnel also lost their lives. Lots of vehicles used by the police force were also burnt to ashes. Despite this, the government has intensified the task of reestablishing police posts. Even the local communities have extended their support to the police for building a makeshift. As their level of confidence is low, the government must boost it. As demanded by the political parties, the government must prioritise strengthening the security situation. The political leaders must also give up their arrogance and ego and come up with a firm commitment to making the March 5 elections a grand success.  

(The author is a former deputy executive editor of this daily.)