Progressive Democratic Party Unveils Manifesto Proposing Major Overhaul of Governance and Economic Structure

Kathmandu. The 'Progressive Democratic Party' (PrLoPa) has put forward a proposal for a radical transformation of the country's governance structure and economic framework through its election manifesto for the House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21.

 Claiming establishment on the foundation of the 'Gen Z' movement, this party seeks an alternative to the traditional parliamentary system, placing political stability, good governance, and a self-reliant economy as its main priorities in the manifesto.

The commitment letter released by the party in the manifesto issued on Sunday places the most emphasis on changing the form of governance.

Concluding that the current parliamentary system has led to instability, PrLoPa has put forward the agenda of implementing a directly elected executive president and directly elected provincial chiefs in the provinces.

 Furthermore, priority has been given to making the parliament fully proportional and inclusive, and establishing a system where subject matter experts, rather than members of parliament, are appointed to the cabinet. The manifesto states that provisions will be made for the 'Right to Reject' if voters dislike the candidates and the 'Right to Recall' if elected representatives do not perform well.

In the context of economic prosperity and development, PrLoPa has proposed the formation of a 'National Development Authority'. Ambitious goals have been set to upgrade the country to a middle-income country within the next 10 years and a high-income country within 25 years.

To achieve this, priority has been given to becoming self-reliant in agriculture within 5 years, resolving the energy crisis while exporting electricity, and reviving the industrial sector. Additionally, a policy will be adopted to attract foreign investment by making 'BIPA' agreements effective and utilizing the knowledge, skills, and capital of Non-Resident Nepalis in nation-building.

On issues of social justice and livelihood, a commitment has been made to bring education and health entirely under the state's responsibility. It has been announced that education up to the higher secondary level will be free in government and public schools, and basic health services will be provided free of cost to all citizens. Giving special priority to the youth, a guarantee has been made to provide at least 100 days of employment or equivalent subsistence allowance annually to unemployed youth aged between 21 and 30 years.

For good governance and corruption control, PrLoPa has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. A strong 'Janlokpal' (People's Ombudsman) will be formed to investigate corruption, and a firm commitment has been expressed to investigate the assets of all high-ranking officials since the establishment of the republic. The implementation of a fully digital system (e-governance) to make public service delivery faster and more efficient has also been included in the manifesto.

Regarding nationality and foreign policy, PrLoPa has placed high priority on resolving border issues including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh through diplomatic initiatives and reviewing treaties and agreements that are contrary to national interests. A strategy to utilize relations with the two neighboring countries and the international community in the national interest, adopting a balanced foreign policy based on the Panchsheel principles, is mentioned in the manifesto.