Poll Preparations

The nation gradually sees a positive atmosphere for the elections as the people from various backgrounds are voicing their support for the timely polls to buttress the federal democratic republic.  The people are eager to exercise their franchise rights. Those who are living abroad are also waiting to see whether they will participate in the elections. The Sushila Karki-led government is making every effort to create a conducive environment to hold general elections slated for March next year. For this, it is soliciting suggestions with the diverse stakeholders ranging from political parties, Gen Z groups, security agencies and civil society members to the former commissioners of the Election Commission.  The government has also made it clear that it has no qualms about the criticisms from various sectors when it comes to conducting the polls, crucial to bring the derailed politics back on track. 

On Monday, the Prime Minister held a meeting with multi-stakeholders in Singha Durbar. Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Karki remarked that the government is under attack from all sides but is prepared to endure criticism for the country’s well-being. She said that in a democracy, political parties must serve the public and reform themselves in line with the aspirations of the people. The Gen Z movement that rocked the country on September 8 and 9 took place due to the shortcomings of established political parties and rampant corruption that spread its tentacles under their governments in the past.   Prime Minister Karki warned against venting internal disagreements and power-sharing frustrations on the public, which only harms citizens. The country should now move forward by understanding the demands of the youth. For this to happen, it must not plunge into another round of conflict, but find a way forward by participating in the election. 

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari also confirmed that the Election Commission is ready for the March 5 election, with most preparations completed. The final voter list is scheduled to be published on December 30, and the voter registration has increased by 5.65 per cent. The political parties, including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, are also preparing for the election. However, a writ petition has been filed for the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament, and concerns have been raised about security issues in holding the election. But the government has affirmed that all preparations have been completed. The meeting lasted for hours, during which 14 representatives of political parties and eight civil society leaders expressed their views. Two Gen Z representatives stressed holding the election on March 5. 

The upcoming election is a test of Nepal’s democratic achievement and political understanding. The election should not be derailed with excuses including legal challenges, security concerns and unresolved issues, such as voting rights for Nepalis abroad. All-party consensus signals a shared recognition that elections are the only credible path forward. Any kind of violence and social menace to stop the election should be checked. The government has stressed that the electoral preparations are almost completed. Political actors must atone for their past mistakes and rise above short-term interests for national prosperity. The younger generation should be aware that politics and changes can be brought about by the ballot paper and active participation. Holding the election timely is the only way of restoring stability, credibility and steering the country towards common prosperity.