CPN Unveils Manifesto for Upcoming Elections, Pledging Governance Reform and Economic Growth

Kathmandu. Following the unification of 22 different communist and socialist factions, the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) has publicly released its detailed manifesto for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21, 2082 BS.

Contesting under the 'Star' election symbol, the party presented a roadmap for an independent and prosperous Nepal with the core slogans of 'Good Governance and Employment: Preparation for Socialism' and 'Defense of Nationality and Democracy is Our Responsibility'.

The party claims leadership in past political changes and has resolved to transform the country's economic and social conditions. The manifesto prioritizes political stability, corruption control, a new phase of economic reform, and prosperity coupled with social justice.

Radical Change in Political Stability and Governance Structure

The party has deemed the existing electoral system costly and conducive to corruption, proposing extensive reforms. The manifesto states, "The governance structure and electoral system will be modified in line with the sentiments of the Gen-Z generation and the needs of the country."

This includes plans to form a smaller cabinet, limit lawmakers strictly to their legislative roles, and distribute authority in line with the spirit of federalism.

Guarantee of Corruption Control and Good Governance

Making good governance the party's main starting point, it has committed to forming a 'High-Level Asset Investigation Commission' with a one-year deadline to investigate the assets of all individuals who have held public office.

It claims to nationalize the assets of the corrupt, merge the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Office of the Auditor General to form a powerful 'Lokpal' (Ombudsman), and make government services 'faceless and paperless' through digital administration.

Economic Reform: 10% Economic Growth and 500,000 Jobs

The party has set an ambitious target of achieving double-digit economic growth (above 10%) within the next five years. There is a plan to reduce multidimensional poverty, currently at 20.15 percent, to 5 percent. Policies include creating 500,000 jobs annually, enabling 100,000 returning youths to become entrepreneurs, and attracting foreign investment into productive sectors.

Furthermore, a strategy has been devised to encourage domestic industries by reducing production costs and minimizing the trade deficit.

Revolutionary Steps in Agriculture and Land Management

Declaring the coming decade as the 'Decade of Agricultural Investment,' a plan has been put forward to achieve self-sufficiency in major food grains within two years. With the resolution of 'Hunger-Free Nepal,' guarantees for farmer pensions, advance declaration of support prices, and agricultural insurance have been made. The manifesto also commits to distributing land ownership certificates (Lalpurja) to landless Dalits and squatters within two years, declaring Nepal free of squatters.

Free Healthcare, Quality Education, and Sports Development

The party's policy is to implement health services as a fundamental right, entirely free of charge. The plan is to enroll 100 percent of citizens in health insurance by 2088 BS and bring treatment for non-communicable diseases to the community level. For education, the concept of 'One Municipality, One Smart School' will be implemented, and appointments in universities will be based on merit, ending political quota systems. Considering sports as a foundation for prosperity, the party commits to doubling the prize money for athletes and constructing a monumental national stadium with a capacity of 50,000.

Development of Infrastructure, Energy, and Tourism

The goal for the next five years is to generate 15,000 megawatts of electricity and increase per capita consumption to 750 kilowatt-hours. Plans include expanding the East-West Highway to four lanes, building a Metro Rail in Kathmandu, and completing the Nijgadh International Airport within five years.

In tourism, the focus is on promoting 'Smart Tourism' and eco-tourism, with plans to develop Nepal as an international wedding and hill station hub.

Social Justice, Inclusivity, and Foreign Policy

The party resolves to amend the constitution for proportional representation of Dalit, women, indigenous nationalities, Muslim, and marginalized communities, and to launch a national campaign against caste-based untouchability. Regarding foreign policy, the manifesto states a commitment to strengthening non-alignment, resolving border disputes like Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura through diplomatic talks, and prioritizing national interests above all.

Political Stability and Governance Reform

The declaration proposes radical changes in the form of governance to end political instability. Plans include modifying the governance structure to ensure checks and balances, limiting the cabinet size to 25 members, and fully centering lawmakers on their legislative roles.

Specifically, to maintain good governance, a powerful commission will be formed to investigate the assets of all individuals holding public office since 2046 BS, and a commitment to 'zero tolerance' for corruption has been expressed.

Furthermore, for the effective implementation of federalism, it mentions enacting necessary laws within one year and transferring 60 percent of the budget share to provincial and local levels.

Social Justice, Education, and Health

Emphasizing the full implementation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the party commits to transforming education and health from profit-making businesses into service-oriented sectors. It mentions extending health insurance to 100 percent of citizens, with the state covering premiums for the poor and destitute, and arranging free treatment for non-communicable diseases.

For education, the concept of 'One Municipality, One Smart School' is planned, along with making universities free from political interference. Additionally, the policy is to ensure the rights of Dalit, women, indigenous, Madhesi, and marginalized communities, and to expand social security throughout the life cycle based on contributions.