Dalit Rights Activists Launch 'No Vote' Campaign Against Discriminatory Candidates Ahead of Elections

Kathmandu. Dalit rights activists have announced the launch of a 'No Vote' campaign targeting candidates or any political party involved in caste discrimination in the upcoming elections. Dalit rights activists shared this information today during a press conference organized under the Dalit-Friendly Election National Campaign.

During the press conference organized by the Dalit Non-Governmental Organization Federation (DNEF), it was announced that Dalit civil society organizations, journalists, intellectuals, rights activists, and Dalit campaigners have initiated the Dalit-Friendly Election National Campaign to make the upcoming elections Dalit-friendly.

J.B. Bishwakarma, Chairman of DNEF, informed that suggestions regarding Dalit issues that must be included in the manifestos of all political parties were handed over on behalf of the campaign. He stated that they aim to promote the inherent right of Dalits to vote and, on humanitarian grounds, issue a 'No Vote' or boycott to any political party or candidate practicing discrimination.

"How can one vote for a person or a party that harbors inhumane conduct and practices discrimination in society?" Chairman Bishwakarma questioned, adding, "We have started a 'No Vote' campaign against individuals carrying such bad customs and a campaign to elect the right leadership."

Bhakt Bishwakarma, Chairman of the Nepal Voter Rights Forum, stated that the campaign needs to reach across the country as there is a need to educate Dalit and marginalized community voters on whom and how to cast their votes at this time.

Rights activist Kamala Hemchuri emphasized that priority should be given to the party or candidate in the House of Representatives election who has raised the issues of marginalized communities the most. She said it was necessary to send a message that they would stand in favor of equality for the Dalit community.

DNEF Vice-Chairman Sushil Bik stated that the campaign has been holding discussions with political parties and candidates for a long time to prioritize Dalit issues. He clarified that the campaign will continue relentlessly against the trend where Dalit issues, although included in manifestos, become weak during implementation.

"The Dalit community has always been used merely as a vote bank; the problems remain unresolved," Vice-Chairman Bik said. "Now, we will launch a campaign to boycott those who discriminate and elect those who bring policies for societal transformation."

The manifesto prepared by the campaign emphasizes the need for a Dalit-friendly election. It also mentions ensuring a minimum of 14 percent representation in both direct and proportional categories in the elections, including Dalit issues in the manifesto, and adopting the concept of 'Discrimination, No Vote' focused on discriminatory parties, leaders, and candidates.

Furthermore, the campaign clarified that an election will be considered Dalit-friendly only if an environment is created for every party and candidate to internalize and implement the issues raised by the Dalit community, if there is assurance that individuals accused of discrimination will not be nominated as candidates, if an environment is ensured for the Dalit community to vote freely without any fear, intimidation, or temptation, and if the manifesto is implemented after the election.

Demands include implementing the principle of proportional inclusion in all organs of the state, emphasizing the implementation of Dalit rights mentioned in the constitution, preparing a national strategy with adequate resources to end caste discrimination and untouchability in practice, amending the untouchability-related act to increase penalties, ending 'digital discrimination' and inequality, and enacting an integrated Dalit development act.