Voters in Myagdi Prioritize Development and Governance Over Promises Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Myagdi. As the date for the House of Representatives election on Falgun 21 approaches, voters in Myagdi have begun to form their opinions. Young voters are stating that this time they will vote for candidates who have a resolve and plan to build the future through good governance, development, and employment, rather than those who only offer speeches, accusations, and assurances like in the past.

According to young voter Bhavi Sharma, the sentiment among voters, from urban areas to rural settlements, is strengthening towards choosing leadership that works, connects society, and maintains trust. He says, "During the election season, ideas are emerging from both candidates and voters. In a situation where candidates have been luring us with false promises and development slogans since the past, it won't happen this time. We will choose candidates who have a clear plan to solve the country's problems, and we are watching consciously for that."

Purnabahadur Khatri, a voter from Beni Municipality-2, states that he is against the idea of gathering votes by creating division and speaking falsehoods in society. "Dreams are distributed in every election, but work is not seen. Many are trying to do the same this time too, but we are aware. We will no longer vote for candidates who confuse the public and give false assurances. We will choose people who understand the people's suffering and work," he said.

Harikrishna Poudel, a farmer from Mangala Rural Municipality-5, stated that his support will go to the party and candidate who brings a clear blueprint for the development of the agricultural sector, which has immense potential in the country but remains neglected. He mentioned that they are in the process of identifying those who talk nonsense instead of bringing policies, programs, and ideas to solve problems in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and employment, and thus plan to vote thoughtfully this time.

Khatri added, "We need fertilizer, irrigation, roads, and markets. Politics that divides society by talking about caste and party is no longer acceptable. Votes will not go to such tendencies. This time we will vote very consciously."

In Myagdi, 12 candidates, including those from political parties and independents, are in the electoral field. Currently, all candidates are visiting door-to-door to present their plans. Nepali Congress candidate Karnabahadur Bhandari stated that development and good governance sought by the people are his main 'agenda' and that the work of identifying problems and listening to grievances door-to-door is underway. He said, "We are committed to the path of development that includes everyone, not politics of division. We will prove the voters' trust through our work."

CPN (UML) candidate Harikrishna Shrestha also stated that he is explaining to the people that he will work according to public aspirations. He said, "We are aware of the district's development and local aspirations. My party and I are committed to strongly raising the issues of the poor, farmers, and youth in parliament and moving development work forward according to public aspirations."

CPN candidate Arjunbahadur Thapa stated that completing the incomplete development projects in Myagdi is his primary concern. "Our goal is to show results with clear plans and timelines, not just assurances. We are explaining this to the people accordingly," he said.

Similarly, Mahabir Pun, who resigned as the Minister of Education, Science and Technology to become an independent candidate, is campaigning door-to-door, claiming to be different from traditional politics. He says, "The public has rejected the old style. Transparency, accountability, and results-oriented work will be my identity. For that, I have formulated my clear vision and plan."

Candidates here are busy presenting their views and seeking votes. Voters are also expressing their opinions, saying they will decide based on the plans and the background of the individuals. Shiva Poudel, a businessman in Beni Bazaar, says he will vote for a candidate in this election only if he sees a basis for implementing the candidates' commitments. "We have heard a lot from leaders. My and my family's vote will go only to the candidate who talks about trade, employment, and stability," he says.

Young voter Angita Pun from Beni also says, "We are not looking for speeches, we are looking for a future. We will only vote for the candidate who has policies and plans to provide opportunities for the youth within the country."

Raju KC, the principal of Mount Everest Residential School, suggests that the growing awareness among voters indicates that this election will be based on evaluation rather than sentiment. His analysis is that promises and strategies that create rifts in society could be detrimental to the candidates.

Most voters here stated that they will use issues such as blacktopping the national pride project Kaligandaki Corridor, construction and upgrading of other roads, drinking water, promotion of education and agriculture sectors, accessible health services, and employment as the basis for evaluation.

Myagdi has only one House of Representatives constituency. According to the District Election Office, there are a total of 86,397 voters here, including one other, 44,064 women, and 42,332 men. For the election, 82 polling stations and 120 polling centers have been established in the district.