Election Fever Rises in Madhesh, but Marginalized Communities Express Deep Disillusionment

Janakpur. As the date for the House of Representatives election approaches, electoral discussions are taking place not only in the urban areas of Madhesh but also in the rural countryside. Following the filing of nominations, the hustle and bustle of candidates, leaders, and activists have increased.

However, residents of Musahar, Tatma, Malah, and Chamar tols (settlements) in rural communities say, 'We hear about the election on TV and mobile. We also get information from other settlements in the village, but there is no excitement in our settlement yet. The clamor, campaigning, and photo opportunities of the past elections are missing this time, but we don't care about that.'

70-year-old Samundri Sada from Janakpurdham Metropolitan City-23 says, 'I am suffering for food. No one looks after our community. Even if they win the election and go, it will only be for the wealthy and high-caste people. Who will look after us poor lower-caste people? We have neither food nor shelter. No one cared even in the cold. My hair has turned white, I have seen so many elections, but there is no one for us.'

71-year-old Bechani Devi from Pipra Rural Municipality-7 in Mahottari complains that despite casting her vote many times, no one has paid attention to her. She says, 'How many times have I cast my vote, what happened? No one listened, nor did anyone care. What benefit do elections bring us? We eat when we work; if there is no work, no one gives anything. What have they thought for us poor people, for our caste and community? We have no money. Money is also needed for treatment or major medical care. Even in government hospitals, only influential people receive treatment.'

Deepak Jha, met at a tea stall in Parkauli, Janakpurdham-7, says, 'There is enthusiasm among the public since the filing of nominations. A good atmosphere seems to have developed. I didn't believe that the election would happen on the date set by the government.'

He believes the country will find a way forward after the election. 'The country must now be led by the new generation. The Prime Minister of the country should be given to the new generation, and only they will understand the essence of the country and lead it towards development,' he says.

Raghavdas from Nagrain Municipality-3 wishes that the government formed after the election focuses on prosperity and economic growth. 'May the election be held well. May good people take the new leadership. May the country move towards prosperity and economic growth and fall into the hands of the dutiful,' says Das. 'The public is aware this time and will not misuse their votes. This time, the Nepali people, whether from the hills, Terai, or Himalayas, will vote thoughtfully, not swayed by greed.'

Amidst the changing political landscape, major parties have fielded mostly the same old faces in the electoral arena again. Madhesh youth suggest that instead of repeating old faces who have not done much for the welfare of citizens and who focused on proportional representation for family and relatives contrary to the spirit of the Madhesh movement, new faces should be given a chance.

Abdul Mia from Mithila Municipality says, 'Many old candidates are repeating this time. But there is talk of new faces in the villages. We have already seen what the old ones did; this time, new people should be given a chance. New parties, new organizations, and new faces should be given an opportunity.'

Conscious voters state that there is no alternative to elections to further strengthen and institutionalize the federal democratic system achieved after long struggle and sacrifice by the citizens. Communities gathered at Tarapatti Chaur in Dhanusha, including security agencies and stakeholders for the upcoming House of Representatives election in a fair and peaceful environment, have urged the administration that an environment for impartial voting should be created.

In terms of dense population, Madhesh Province is second among all seven provinces. It has 3,636,414 voters. Looking at past election data, the number of rejected votes appears high, making voter education a challenging problem.

Meanwhile, farmer Ashok Jha from Nawalpur, Lalbandi Municipality, Sarlahi, says, 'The old parties only talk big about agriculture, health, and education being the first priority during elections to save power and seats. After winning, they forget everything. How much we farmers are suffering now—we don't get seeds, fertilizer, or loans from banks at cheap rates on time. Due to rain this time, the production of paddy, vegetables, and other crops was not good. The grains did not get a good market. Who will understand our pain? We have been cheated a lot. Now, trust in old parties and old leaders is lost. Therefore, new young leadership should be given a chance.'

In terms of dense population, Madhesh Province is second among all seven provinces. It has 3,636,414 voters. Looking at past election data, the number of rejected votes appears high, making voter education a challenging problem. It seems voter education needs to be expanded with priority to use the right to vote correctly and ensure mandatory participation in voting.

Rakesh Yadav from Haripurwa, Sarlahi, says, 'It is very difficult for us to cast votes. Less educated women and the elderly do not know where to vote on the ballot paper. Voter education should be provided well for that. Due to a lack of knowledge about voter education, many votes are rejected. If effective voter education is not implemented, votes will be rejected just like in the past.'

Among the eight districts of Madhesh Province, there are a total of 32 constituencies, with four in each district. For the election to be held on the upcoming Falgun 21, 1,048 candidates from various political parties and independents have registered their candidacy for direct elections.