Election Ardour

Following the September Gen Z movement that overthrew the powerful coalition government of the CPN UML and Nepali Congress, the country is now bracing for general elections slated for March next year. Prime Minister Sushila Karki-led interim government is making every effort to conduct the polls in a free and fair atmosphere. The Election Commission has already made public the schedule for elections to the House of Representatives (HoR). The EC has registered more than 300,000 new voters since resuming the voter registration drive on September 25. With this, the poll fervor has gradually gripped the country that is reeling from political uncertainty.

It is a matter of happiness that many political parties are joining the election fray, and 32 new political parties have applied to the Election Commission (EC) by Sunday. When more political parties contest the election, people have more choices, making the democratic process more inclusive and representative. In a democracy, political parties are essential as they act as a bridge between the government and the people. 

This is the first election after the Gen Z movement, and people are more excited about it. Likewise, this election is an opportunity for Gen Z to fulfil their demands through a legitimate means. The election gives Gen Z youths a chance to push for the changes they want. This is the reason why people have a lot of anticipation for this election. Many promising Gen Z leaders have also formed political parties to contest the election. 

However, a few main political parties remain ambivalent regarding the fresh polls. And the internal conflict among the major political parties has become more prominent after the Gen Z movement. The Nepali Congress is still beset by internal wrangling, while the UML has stood against the polls. This is not the time for more protests and a blame game. The NC and UML should contest the election to renew the people's mandate.  The political parties cannot run away from the elections because their power comes from the people. At the same time, the security concerns of political parties during the election are also valid. 

The government has time and again assured political parties of the robust security measures during polls. It has taken a series of steps to take them into confidence. Having said that, vandalism and arson of public properties during the Gen Z movement should be investigated, but it should not hinder the upcoming elections. Accountability is important, but the poll process must not be derailed. Thus, the government has dual tasks – on one hand, it must maintain law and order and on the other, it should prove its mettle by conducting the polls while ensuring the participation of all parties in it.

The March 5 elections provide Nepal with the opportunity to bring the much-needed stability to the country, marred by frequent government changes, corruption, nepotism and instability. The voters should elect leaders who have a clear vision and goal to truly build the country. Political stability is the key to steady economic growth and effective service delivery. Ultimately, the much-anticipated March 5 election is expected to lead the country towards stable government, sustainable development and a more predictable political future.