Most Jumla Candidates Campaign Without Manifestos Despite Election Deadline Passing

Kali Bahadur Pariyar
Jumla. As the House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21 approaches, the electoral atmosphere in Jumla is heating up. Slogans of candidates are echoing in villages, neighborhoods, squares, and social media. However, questions are being raised from all quarters as candidates are busy door-to-door campaigning without their election manifestos.

According to the election code of conduct, candidates must publish their election manifestos. The Election Commission had clearly directed all political parties and candidates to publish their manifestos by February 3rd. However, even though February 6th has passed, most candidates in Jumla remain silent.

This time, ten candidates, including one independent, are in the electoral race from Jumla. They are: Shantilal Mahat from CPN-UML, Deep Bahadur Shahi from Nepali Congress, Naresh Bhandari from Communist Party of Nepal, Gyanendra Shahi from Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Binita Kathayat from Rastriya Swatantra Party, Manarishi Dhital from Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, Birsh Bahadur Shahi from CPN (Maoist Centre), Birkh Bahadur Rawat from Nepal Workers' Peasants Party, Ranil Bikram Shahi from Nepal Janata Party, and Bhakta Bahadur Rawal as an independent.

Who Published, Who Didn't?

CPN-UML was the first in Jumla to publish its manifesto. It formalized the election campaign by publishing a manifesto with agendas focusing on development, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy production. Following this, Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party and Nepali Congress have also published their manifestos.

However, the remaining seven candidates are still visiting people's homes without a manifesto.

Grand announcements are seen in election rallies, attractive posters on social media, and emotional appeals during door-to-door visits. But the written commitment has not been presented by these seven candidates.

The Office of the Chief Election Officer states, "The manifesto is the basis for the candidate's accountability and transparency. The public's decision on whom to vote for should be based not just on speeches and slogans, but on a clear action plan. Not publishing a manifesto means keeping the voters in ambiguity."

The Commission states that not publishing the manifesto even after the deadline set by the Election Commission has passed is considered a disregard for the Commission's directive. However, it is still unclear what action the Commission will take regarding this. Local voters have also started raising questions about this matter.

Jumla is considered a district lagging in development indicators. Clear plans are needed in all sectors, including roads, health, education, drinking water, agricultural modernization, and employment.

Voters are now looking for concrete action plans rather than just slogans.