Poverty Rises as Nepal Heads to Polls; Voters Urged to Scrutinize Candidates

Poverty, which should be decreasing, has been on the rise for the past few years. The 15th Periodic Plan of the National Planning Commission had set a target to reduce poverty to 10 percent. However, according to the 'Micro-Sector Estimation of Poverty 2082' report published by the Central Bureau of Statistics just a few days ago, 20.27 percent of the total population lives below the poverty line. This means 6,266,0145 people out of the total population are in poverty.

On one hand, poverty is increasing, while on the other, billionaire rich individuals are increasing. The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased to 63 Kharba, the population has not increased significantly, yet poverty, which should be decreasing, is rising. This clearly indicates that the gap between the rich and the poor in the country is widening. Inequality and economic injustice are increasing. The dominance of the wealthy over resources and means is growing.

According to a report published by the National Planning Commission in 2077, the year preceding the National Census 2078, Nepal's national poverty stood at 18.6 percent and multidimensional poverty at 28.6 percent. However, even after the National Census 2078 and the subsequent four years, poverty has not decreased but has climbed to 20.27 percent. This shows that the government has done nothing in the interest of the poor and farmers, or the marginalized, during this period.

Especially those who call themselves communists and came to power by securing the votes of the poor have done nothing for the welfare of the poor. Consequently, poverty did not decrease; instead, it increased. In this context, a general election is taking place on Falgun 21st. Whom will the more than 6.2 million poor voters cast their votes for in that election? Will it be for those who have done nothing in their favor? A critical question remains: will the votes of the poor be used to serve the interests of the rich?

Currently, candidates have started visiting the doorsteps of poor people in remote rural areas to seek votes as the election approaches.

Political parties are currently registering their candidates with the Election Commission. Many journalists or social activists have also filed candidacies independently. The election festival is in full swing. In this context, it is crucial for voters, especially the 6.2 million poor voters discussed in this article, to carefully consider whom they will vote for.

Candidates have now started visiting the doorsteps of poor people in remote rural areas to seek votes as the election approaches. It is an old habit of Nepali leaders to live and enjoy themselves in Kathmandu or big cities throughout the year and then start visiting the doors of the poor only when elections arrive. Voters need to recognize such individuals this time. A vote is not just that single vote; when used correctly, it is a link to building a prosperous Nepal. A vote cast by selecting the right candidate and party greatly helps in fulfilling the aspirations for development and prosperity of the citizens. Again, Nepali people often get swayed during voting time, fall under someone's pressure or influence, fail to distinguish between right and wrong by not conducting a 'social audit' of candidates and parties, but later regret it for four years.

Now, every voter must correct those past mistakes in the upcoming election on Falgun 21st. Votes must be cast after careful consideration, understanding, and auditing the past work and speeches of the parties. Moreover, the 6,266,0145 poor and destitute citizens need to think even more deeply. Which parties gave them what kinds of promises in the past, and how much did they deliver? It is necessary to evaluate who deceived them and who tried to work for them.

No matter how loudly they speak or how many capitalist degrees they flaunt from abroad, the poor people must not be swayed by them. Many people who have earned immense wealth abroad are now returning to Nepal in search of opportunities.

Poor people, in particular, need to choose parties that work to reduce inequality, focus on the agenda of the poor, and prioritize employment and economic development. The 6.2 million poor voters must not fall for the allure or sweet talk of any flashy candidate who comes from the city to the village or who themselves suffer from urban poverty. The poor must understand that parties advocating for the rich will not work on the agendas of the poor. Their main agenda is to help the rich become richer, and they are dedicated to that. Therefore, the poor should not vote for flashy candidates or those who advocate for capitalism. They might speak eloquently, join hands in greeting, offer two square meals of meat and rice, or spend (or scheme) a few thousand rupees. They should not be swayed by such things at all.

Votes should be given to the party that talks about socialism, equality, economic and social justice, employment, and the upliftment of the poor. No matter how loudly they speak or how many capitalist degrees they flaunt from abroad, the poor people must not be swayed by them. Many people who have earned immense wealth abroad are now returning to Nepal in search of opportunities. Except for a few, many of them are contesting elections for opportunities. They might migrate away a few months after losing the election. Therefore, one should choose people who love the country, who have struggled in their own soil, who have a social conscience, who come from a background of social service, and who continue to fight for equality and justice, even if they are less educated.

Do not look at whether they are new or old. Elect those who have political culture, who are practical, who respect others, who have the drive to do something rather than just talk, and who hold an ideology that uplifts and respects the poor.

It is not necessary that all leaders must be highly educated. Flexible leadership with good intentions and patriotism listens to the advice of others. Moreover, a leader is supposed to get the work done. They should form a good team and work with good intentions. Therefore, no one should be swayed in the upcoming election—not the poor, not the rich, nor the middle class. In reality, politics is sacrifice and dedication. And this is the highest form of social service. Therefore, the leadership must possess immense sacrifice, dedication, flexibility, and a spirit of social service. They should be ready to heal the problems and suffering of the people as if they were their own. Yes, we must choose such leadership.

Currently, many people who have earned money at home or abroad, who look polished and sophisticated, and who ride expensive cars and vehicles, are maneuvering for elections. They have secured tickets in various parties through money and their cunning. Honest and sincere people are often left empty-handed. Especially visible in the electoral arena are those involved in land brokerage, dividing arable land into plots, selling them expensively to the poor, and causing banks and financial institutions to collapse.

Similarly, dishonest individuals who took billions worth of development contracts from the government but did not execute the work are also appearing on the front lines. Furthermore, cooperative fraudsters, those guilty of homicide cases, drug users, touts, thugs, mafias, and foreign agents should absolutely not be voted for. Better yet, vote for the simple or naive person, but absolutely do not vote for the selfish, wicked, or deceitful ones. Make a criterion for deciding whom to vote for. Many cunning people might approach your doorstep seeking ministerial posts, parliamentary seats, fancy vehicles, or prestige.

The time has come to recognize them. Do not look at whether they are new or old. Elect those who have political culture, who are practical, who respect others, who have the drive to do something rather than just talk, and who hold an ideology that uplifts and respects the poor. Do not care if they came asking for votes on a bicycle, came alone, or wore an old coat. Cast your vote genuinely for a great candidate. If you do not see any such candidate and do not feel inclined towards anyone, then better not vote at all.