Voters in Makwanpur Assess Candidates Amidst Rising Political Discontent and Post-Protest Climate

Hetauda. As the upcoming House of Representatives election approaches, political parties and independent candidates in Makwanpur have begun their campaigns. As candidates reach out to voters, the electorate is keenly evaluating the election atmosphere.

Voters in the two constituencies of Makwanpur appear to expect change from past movements and the upcoming elections. Voters in Makwanpur Constituency No. 2 state that voting should be focused on ideology, principles, and agendas, alongside the younger generation. While their grievances against old political parties and candidates are natural, they emphasize the need to evaluate the agenda of development construction and good governance, alongside the attraction towards new forces.

GenZ Movement: An Outburst of Dissatisfaction

Harisharan Adhikari of Hetauda-1 considers the GenZ movement that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24 as a 'revolt of the dissatisfied.' Selling vegetables from the shutter of a demolished shop during the road expansion in the Taundah market area, he argues that the anger of the younger generation, especially towards the ban imposed on social media and the government's working style, is natural. However, he expresses regret over the damage to physical infrastructure and the burning of ministries during the protests.

'The GenZ Movement is a kind of revolt of the dissatisfied. It is a reaction against the government's decision to shut down social media. In recent days, every person has a mobile phone; if that mobile is disconnected, a revolt begins,' he said. 'The most painful part was seeing the devastated condition of Bhatbhateni and the burning of large institutions; the security agencies also appeared incompetent at that time.'

Rupa Neupane, who runs a 'chatpate' business on the roadside in Chaukitol, stated that while the GenZ Movement was correct, the burning of government structures was inappropriate. 'That movement was very right for change. It showed that the youth can do anything if they want to, but destroying and setting things on fire is not good. Everyone suffered a loss,' she said. 'This country belongs to everyone. But the anger arising from the government's inability to work led to the destruction of physical structures alongside the movement for change, which caused a loss to the state itself.'

According to farmer Badri Prasad Adhikari from Makwanpurgadhi-5, the GenZ movement was a necessary voice against the governance system. He noted that the aspirations of the citizens have changed after the GenZ movement. However, he shared his experience that the state mechanism remains makeshift. Although the GenZ movement actually aimed to streamline the mechanism of good governance, he feels that the systemic structure has failed to function.

'In terms of the governance system, this was extremely necessary. Someone had to raise this issue. The agenda of good governance was very important. The youth raised the issues that the parties should have raised, which was legitimate,' he said. 'But the destruction was unfortunate for the country. Because the state mechanism was weak, the damage was incurred. After so many people died on the 23rd, this should have had an impact.'

Most voters, despite being dissatisfied with old parties and their leaders, state that they should support individuals who carry an agenda that unites the country. According to Shyam Lama of Makwanpurgadhi, who has been voting since 2042 BS, the style of campaigning and the promises made in elections have remained the same over four decades. He mentioned that while the rise of new parties offers hope, effective issues have not emerged.

According to Lama, the first priority for parties and candidates engaged in the election should be environmental protection. He stated the necessity of ensuring citizens' right to live in a clean environment, as the dust blown by crushers and tippers is affecting public health. Expressing dissatisfaction with the commercialization happening in the education and health sectors, Lama believes the government should take full responsibility. He noted that current privatization has pushed the poor into debt.

'Before, they talked about roads and water; they say the same thing now. But once elected, no one works in a way that lasts five years,' he said. 'Saying there is no employment is just talk; there is work for those who want to do it. But stability in leadership is necessary. Repeated political instability and the infighting among leaders have become tiresome. If Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had been allowed to work for five years in 2047 BS, the country would have been different. But quarrels start within months. The election is an opportunity, but it seems whoever comes will not last five years.'

According to Rupa Neupane of Chaukitol, in the past, candidates made promises like 'I will do this, I will do that' but failed to deliver. Seeking an alternative this time, she stated that the country is facing elections again because leaders in positions have not acted responsibly. She emphasized the need to end the compulsion for youth to migrate abroad by creating employment opportunities within the country.

According to Badri Prasad Adhikari, a voter from Makwanpur-2, the current election is framed around the dichotomy of old parties versus new parties. However, he stated there is confusion about whether both sides will genuinely build the country or not. He pointed out the prevailing tendency in Nepal to blame others when one cannot deliver, emphasizing the need for responsible and accountable leadership.

'If the old ones win, they finish the new ones; if the new ones win, they finish the old ones'—the current election is being held based on this ego,' he said. 'The tendency to blame others when one cannot do something is inappropriate. The elderly have experience, and the youth have more zeal and strength. But strength alone is not enough; wisdom and experience are also necessary.'