Former Chief Election Commissioner Surya Prasad Shrestha Discusses Electoral Challenges and Reforms Ahead of General Election 2082

Kathmandu. Surya Prasad Shrestha, who has served as a Secretary in various ministries under the Government of Nepal's administrative service and successfully completed responsibilities in constitutional positions such as Zonal Commissioner and Chief Election Commissioner, has also served as an ambassador to various countries in the diplomatic sector. Appointed Chief Election Commissioner in 2042 BS, he successfully conducted the National Panchayat elections of 2043 BS, local elections of 2044 BS, general elections of 2048 BS, and local elections of 2049 BS. His book, 'Democracy and Public Mandate: The Inside Story of Nepal's Elections,' was published this year. Presented here is an interview focused on his past election experiences as a former Chief Election Commissioner and various aspects of the upcoming elections.

How do you compare the main problems you observed regarding elections when you were the Chief Election Commissioner with the problems today?

Election methods and systems are generally uniform across the world. Technological development has made the process faster, more efficient, simple, and easier. Theoretically, the main objective of an election is to conduct it independently and peacefully. Previously, before the development of technology, most election process tasks were done manually, and communication was very difficult due to the lack of adequate media. Now, with the development of information and communication technology, it has become easier, less expensive, and faster. In the 2042 BS election process, we experimented with Nepali fonts, whereas even India did not have the Devanagari script at that time. The situation where elections can be held within six months, as it is now, was not possible before. Security concerns naturally differ according to the times.

What specific areas do you think the Election Commission needs to focus on right now to make the General Election 2082 impartial, independent, and credible?

The Election Commission is recognized in many countries worldwide as an independent constitutional body. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring it is not influenced by the government or political parties. The Election Commission is the most important institution for Nepal's democratic future. The Constitution seeks to make it independent and impartial. Peaceful and free elections are the pillars of democracy. The 2015 Constitution mentioned provisions regarding the Election Commission. Although the 2019 Constitution, formed after the political 'coup' of 2017, had no provision for it, the Election Commission was given constitutional recognition after the amendment made in 2024 BS. Since then, the Election Commission has been conducting various elections as a constitutional body in an impartial, independent, and credible manner. The General Election 2082, which is the second to be held after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, is not just a process of power transition but also a significant test for the institutional strengthening of the Federal Democratic Republic, and it needs to be understood in that context.

The influence of money, illegal expenditure, and misuse of state resources have emerged as serious challenges in recent elections. What practical measures can be taken to control this?

Although information and communication technology has greatly facilitated the election process, election expenditure has increased significantly. While elections used to cost around 8 to 10 crore rupees, the government expenditure has now reached 19 billion rupees. The Election Commission must exercise special vigilance to prevent election spending from increasing. Polling centers are determined based on population ratios, and expenditure increases accordingly. Spending by individuals or parties must also be controlled by setting limits. Malpractices such as extensive financial expenditure in elections, misuse of political power, self-serving electoral alliances, weak internal democracy within parties, infringement of voters' universal suffrage, and interference by ruling powers in the election process have appeared as serious challenges. These problems pose a threat to hindering the credibility of elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Unnecessary and extravagant elections do not strengthen democracy. One of the most worrying aspects of Nepal's electoral system is excessive election spending. Although the law sets spending limits, effective compliance is not seen in practice. Costly elections increase the risk of displacing honest, capable, but financially weak candidates from politics.

The problem of invalid votes due to a lack of voter education still persists. What should be the role of the state and the commission in this regard?

In Nepal, generally, about 60 to 65 percent of voters participate in every election. All citizens must be informed about why elections are necessary and encouraged to participate in the voting process. Elections are not limited merely to the voting process; they play a crucial role in forming a capable and responsible government, ensuring representation, and strengthening democratic institutions, which is why voter education is very important. Invalid votes are still around four to five percent. To reduce this, emphasis must be placed on voter education while increasing public trust in the electoral system. Voting is the sovereign right of the people. The people's faith and trust in democracy must remain unwavering, and their conduct should align accordingly. Since destruction and devastation weaken the pillars of democracy, the government, political parties, and the general public must remain vigilant to prevent such a situation.

How balanced and professional do you think the role of security agencies and the administration should be in election management?

The number of employees and security personnel deployed in elections depends on the population and security situation. Elections should not be overly dramatized. In addition to the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, and National Investigation Department, nearly 150,000 temporary police personnel have been appointed for this election. In the 2043 BS elections, when the police force was insufficient, political party cadres were mobilized as volunteers and the election was conducted peacefully.

How do you assess the impact of social media, digital campaigning, and misinformation on the election process?

In recent years, with the increased use of social media, the amount of false and misleading information has also increased. There is a growing risk that a political party or candidate can be defeated or elected through social media platforms. This is very dangerous for democracy. It is necessary to regulate this. It seems the Election Commission has placed great emphasis on this issue this time. Furthermore, other state bodies and security agencies also need to pay attention. Otherwise, the election held prematurely at such great expense could be in vain. There might be demands to dissolve it again after the election. If mass media can transmit authentic information and keep the public informed, false or misleading information will gradually decrease. Nepal cannot be isolated from the world now; events in other countries or issues in Nepal become global in an instant. Today, those living abroad have the capacity to influence politics here. Social media has become like a bullet today; the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 last year showed an example of how it can instantly decide the fate of politics. Therefore, every citizen operating media and social media must adhere to the principles of impartiality, credibility, and responsibility.

Is legal reform necessary to make the implementation of the code of conduct issued for conducting elections impartially more effective?

The Election Commission has ample authority to conduct elections impartially, independently, and without rigging. The election code of conduct can also affect the regular functioning of the government. In reality, the code of conduct is a method for creating universally accepted behavior, and stakeholders should adhere to it with honesty. However, recently, it has started to gain legal status. There is a situation where punitive provisions must be included in the code of conduct itself. Its use and compliance must be done cautiously. The code of conduct has greatly helped in curbing unnecessary expenditure.

Finally, what is your message to the general voters to make the General Election 2082 successful?

Elections are an opportunity for citizens to exercise their freedom of choice and form a responsible government. Citizens must participate vigorously and must not allow a vacuum of judgment. It will be difficult to ensure democratic stability unless the electoral system is made more credible, inclusive, and transparent. Elections not only strengthen democracy but also lay the foundation for making the entire governance system more accountable, transparent, and responsible to the people. The General Election 2082 is taking place at a time when it is imperative to end political instability, the recurring cycle of government changes, weak internal democracy within parties, and growing public disillusionment, thereby institutionalizing the democratic system. There is a widespread feeling that past elections have failed to deliver good governance, development, and stability as expected by the people. For this reason, while there is enthusiasm for this election, there are also many questions and doubts. The very soul of democracy is public participation. If the General Election 2082 fails to re-establish voter confidence, there is a risk that faith in the democratic system will weaken further. Therefore, I urge every voter to exercise their independent judgment and vote without being influenced by others.