Progressive Democratic Party Unveils Manifesto Ahead of Upcoming Elections, Proposing Major Governance Overhaul

Kathmandu. Targeting the House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21, the Progressive Democratic Party (PrLoPa) has unveiled its electoral commitment document (manifesto).

Unveiled on Sunday in the capital under the main slogan 'Strong Democracy, Prosperous Society, and Independent Nation,' the manifesto proposes a radical change in the country's form of governance.

The party has made the directly elected executive presidency and a fully proportional electoral system its main political agenda, specifically to end the prevailing political instability in the country.

PrLoPa, claiming to be founded on the basis of the 'Genji' rebellion of Bhadra 2082, has presented itself as an alternative force, concluding that the country is in crisis due to the failure of old political parties and the corruption of leadership. The manifesto states that the current parliamentary system only promotes the game of government change, emphasizing that changing the form of governance is essential for political stability. Furthermore, the party has committed to limiting the role of members of parliament solely to legislative (law-making) functions and establishing a practice where the cabinet is formed by independent experts.

Charting a clear path for economic prosperity, PrLoPa announced the formation of a powerful 'National Development Authority' to be under the executive head. Through this authority, the manifesto includes ambitious goals: ending absolute poverty within the first 5 years, upgrading to a middle-income country within 10 years, and placing Nepal among the world's high-income nations within 25 years.

Priorities include achieving full self-sufficiency in agriculture within 5 years and eliminating electricity imports within 10 years while prioritizing the development of green energy and hydrogen energy.

On issues of social justice and livelihood, the party has placed education and health under the full responsibility of the state. PrLoPa committed to providing free education up to the higher secondary level in government and public schools and offering free basic health services to all citizens. Targeting the youth, the party announced that the 'Youth Employment Fund' will be made autonomous and declared a commitment to provide unemployed youth aged 21 to 30 with at least 100 days of employment annually or equivalent unemployment allowance. Similarly, an integrated social security plan will be implemented for single women, senior citizens, and marginalized communities.

PrLoPa has adopted a strict policy regarding good governance and corruption control. The manifesto mentions the formation of a powerful 'Janlokpal' (Public Ombudsman) to investigate corruption and reforms in electoral law to provide voters with the 'Right to Reject' and the 'Right to Recall'.

A plan has been put forward to implement an 'e-governance' system to streamline public service delivery and make the bureaucracy results-oriented.

In terms of national independence and foreign policy, the party stated it would adopt a balanced foreign policy based on the principles of Panchsheel. Commitments were made to resolve border issues including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh through diplomatic means and to review treaties and agreements that are contrary to national interests.

Contesting the electoral field with the election symbol 'Eye,' PrLoPa presented itself as an alternative to traditional parties and appealed to the general voters to choose the 'Alternative with Progressive Ideology.'