Voters in Kanchanpur-2 Express Apathy and Frustration as Election Day Nears

Kanchanpur. As the date for the House of Representatives election approaches, there is little enthusiasm among the voters in Kanchanpur Electoral Constituency No. 2. Despite candidates and party workers reaching out to every neighborhood as part of their election campaign, they have failed to significantly influence the voters.

In this constituency, the problems of those displaced by the national park, squatters, and the unorganized settlers have been perennial election issues for years. However, voters complain that political parties and elected representatives have paid little attention to solving these problems. Locals say that due to the lack of employment, the youth force is compelled to migrate to India and Gulf countries.

Voters openly state that they have repeatedly changed their votes in elections, hoping that one party or the other will solve their issues. Nevertheless, they complain that no initiative has been taken to solve their problems so far. Voters here are also suffering from the terror caused by wild animals.

Voters in rural areas do not have grand expectations. They are seeking a guarantee that their basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing can be met. The main expectations of the voters here are easy and quality education for children, readily available medical treatment during illness, employment opportunities and fair wages for the working-age population.

Dhana Bohara of Ghatal Tole, Shuklaphanta Municipality-10, is not excited about the election. She said, "What is the use of elections coming? This is only for the leaders. I have reached this age voting, but what have we gained?"

Dhana's family possesses 2-3 Katha of public land. Her family, living in a modest house on that land, has no reliable source of income. She mentioned that her son has gone to India for labor, adding that they would not have to endure this situation if there were employment opportunities in the country.

"Our livelihood depends on the money my son earns in India," she said. "There is no other source of income here. What work can we do in our old age? Our survival is managed somehow by my son's earnings and my husband's social security allowance."