Baglung Voters Seek Good Governance and Development Amid Election Disillusionment

Baglung. Voters in Baglung, ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election, are searching for leadership that can deliver tangible good governance and development. They complain that regardless of who they vote for or which government is formed, their living standards have seen little to no change.

Hemlal Sapkot of Kundele, Baglung Municipality-4, is still haunted by the protests of Bhadra 23 and 24. Although Sapkot did not have close relatives involved in the 'Genji' movement, the images of the youth who died or were injured in the protests remain fresh in his mind. That incident bred a sense of disillusionment towards the ruling establishment and political parties.

‘Thinking about the children who were caught up in that (Bhadra 23 and 24) protest makes one feel like not voting for anyone. Those who became ministers and prime ministers through our votes could not provide us comfort or facilities. When we demanded our rights, they responded with gunfire,’ he said.

Sapkot, who has participated in elections since 2048 BS, remains unmoved by the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. Candidates visit daily to solicit votes. Neighbors also whisper about who they are voting for, but he has little interest.

Sapkot states that if he must vote, he should give his vote to an alternative force. He noted that even after political parties have governed the country for a long time since the advent of multi-party democracy, the people have not experienced the development they anticipated.

Sapkot said, ‘Whatever system comes to this country, it seems to only benefit the elite. Nothing has ever reached the poor and distressed. After multi-party democracy arrived, we thought the country would change, that employment would be available. Nothing has changed for anyone except those close to the leaders. Many elections have come and gone. Leaders win, become ministers, and we remain where we were.’  

Dhirendra Gharti Magar of Dhorpatan Municipality-5 said that the old parties urgently need reform. He believes that many new parties have emerged because established parties with historical legacies have failed to act according to public aspirations. He mentioned that many citizens in remote areas of Baglung are still deprived of basic services, emphasizing the need to elect candidates who understand the people's problems, uphold good governance, and drive development.

‘In every election, they promise to do this and that to get votes. They do nothing. Western Baglung has many remote settlements. When will facilities reach those places?’ he asked. ‘It takes time for new parties to establish themselves; if the old parties reformed and worked according to public sentiment, development could have happened faster. We want good governance and development.’

Pashupati Kandel of Kimbot, Bihu, Karkhoka Rural Municipality-6, shared that despite voting five times, a representative who understands the problems of farmers has yet to emerge. Stating that he has been participating in voting continuously since 2056 BS, he noted that the village is emptying due to migration because development has not kept pace with public expectations.

Kandel said, ‘I am a farmer. I produce fruits and milk, but I have never received support from the state. We send leaders to office by voting in every election. During elections, they say they will do this and that. Later, we don't know where they disappear. Migration is causing the village to become deserted. It would be great if they could create an environment for villagers to stay in the village.’

Samjhana Sapkot of Baglung Municipality-4 stated that the public suffers due to the inability to elect the right candidates. She mentioned that the leaders she voted for in the previous two elections have not returned to the village even once after winning. She suggested that since many new parties are contesting the election recently, they should be given a chance this time. She believes the current need is for a leader who prioritizes the problems of the people, not just their own interests.

‘Voters need to be very vigilant. During elections, many candidates beg for votes with excessive deference. Once they win and go, forget understanding village problems; they don't even come back once to say thank you for electing them,’ she said. ‘We must be wary of candidates who deceive the public; if voters do not pay attention to selecting the right leadership, effective policy-making in parliament will not happen.’

Gangabahadur Gharti Pun of Pandavkhani, Galakot Municipality-10, said that leaders who understand the people's plight must be elected. In Pandavkhani village, which is geographically very remote, a road reached two decades ago but has yet to be upgraded. He complained that because of this, thousands of residents suffer year-round. He noted that development in this area only becomes a priority for leaders during elections, but otherwise, it remains neglected.

Pun said, ‘The people of this area have suffered a lot. We don't expect much from the state. If they just made this road easier, our living standards would change. During elections, leaders come and say they will build this road, but where are they after the election ends! They don't even show their faces.’