Political Parties Detail Foreign Policy and Diaspora Commitments in Election Manifestos

Kathmandu. Political parties have unveiled their manifestos for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for February 21. The parties have placed special emphasis on education, health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and foreign employment. Regarding diplomacy, most parties have stressed an independent foreign policy.

The Nepali Congress stated in its manifesto, 'While remaining active in protecting Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and national interests, it believes in an independent foreign policy, keeping in mind the supreme interest of the nation based on the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, the principles of Panchsheel, international law, and the recognition of world peace.' The Congress clarified that Nepal will not be directly or indirectly involved in any form of defense, military, or strategic competition between power blocs.

The Congress has embraced the sentiment of 'Once a Nepali, always a Nepali.' The Congress has pledged to connect the feelings, knowledge, skills, and capital of all generations of the diaspora to the nation's prosperity by ensuring continuity of citizenship, property, and voting rights. The Congress also pledges to operate Nepali missions as digital trade promotion centers to expand the international market for Nepali digital services through government-to-government cooperation.

Furthermore, it mentioned ensuring the state's active guardianship for the security, rescue, and welfare of Nepali workers by equipping diplomatic missions in major destination countries. The Congress has pledged to strengthen the system for labor attachés, legal aid relief, and rescue at diplomatic missions in labor destination countries.

The Congress stated that a mechanism has been established for Non-Resident Nepalis and other organizations to be actively mobilized for smooth assistance and coordination with missions and staff. The Congress has pledged to include the welfare of Nepali workers in the basic service entry and in-service training for all foreign service employees, as well as in the orientation for labor attachés, labor counselors, and ambassadors.

Friendship with All, Enmity with None

CPN-UML mentioned in its manifesto that it will make relations with neighboring countries more trustworthy and friendly. UML stated in its manifesto, 'We hold no prejudice; 'Friendship with all, enmity with none' is the fundamental policy guiding our foreign relations.'

UML stated that it rejects any foreign interference. Asserting its belief in sovereign equality, UML stated that it rejects encroachment or interference in the independence, self-determination, and territorial integrity of any nation. It stated, 'We maintain respectful relations with all nations. We respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations and expect the same treatment from other nations.'

Stating that relations with neighboring countries will be made more trustworthy and friendly, UML affirmed its commitment to a foreign policy based on friendship with all, respecting sovereign equality, independence, and territorial integrity. UML stated in its manifesto, 'We maintain respectful relations with all nations. We respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations and expect the same treatment from other nations.'

Stating that continuous efforts will be made to further strengthen relations with neighboring countries, UML said it would not wish ill upon any neighbor, refrain from any act detrimental to them, and cooperate with all neighboring countries and international and regional organizations.

Border Disputes Resolved Through Dialogue

The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) stated that it would further strengthen Nepal's non-aligned foreign policy, giving the highest priority to national interest, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. CPN has also prioritized relations with neighboring countries. CPN committed to resolving border disputes such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani through diplomatic talks and international law, and pledged to modernize and make border management and regulation effective.

 
CPN mentioned maintaining an active and strong presence in multilateral forums including the United Nations, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, and pledged to review unequal treaties and agreements to establish new agreements based on mutual benefit. Prioritizing economic diplomacy, CPN mentioned increasing foreign investment, export promotion, technology transfer, tourism, and employment opportunities, and stated it would strongly raise Nepal's voice in international forums on climate change, Himalayan conservation, mountain issues, and the common interests of landlocked nations as 'climate justice.'

From 'Buffer State' to 'Vibrant Bridge'

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) mentioned in its manifesto that it would strive to ensure national interests by transforming Nepal from a 'buffer state' to a 'vibrant bridge' through tripartite economic partnership and connectivity. RSP gave special importance to foreign policy, diplomacy, and border security in its manifesto.

RSP paid special attention to the strategic interests of neighboring countries and the shift in the global balance of power. Stating that it would adopt a 'balanced and dynamic diplomacy' to turn the changing global geopolitics and the rise of neighboring powers into opportunities for Nepal's development, RSP indicated that Nepal would benefit from India's progress in digital public infrastructure, high-speed quality physical infrastructure, formalization of the economy, manufacturing industries, and service sectors.

Similarly, RSP stated that it would engage in world-class infrastructure construction through the mobilization of concessional finance from China, state-directed goals and programs for socio-economic development, and partnership in exemplary subjects of inter-provincial competition.

Border Security and Management

RSP pledged to reduce cross-border crime to zero. It pledged to mobilize the Armed Police Force as a specialized 'Border Security Force' equipped with modern technology to control illegal activities in border areas. It stated this would be done by implementing night-vision cameras, drone surveillance, and digital entry-exit record systems at border crossings.

Furthermore, RSP pledged high-level diplomatic initiatives to permanently resolve border disputes and old treaties and agreements based on facts and evidence, rather than limiting them to sentiment, through dialogue.

Pledging to distribute 'Border Identity Cards' to border residents, RSP stated it would provide special concessions for their education, health, and livelihood. It stated that borders would be developed not just as places of control but as 'economic gateways,' and that customs processes at Dodhara-Chandani Dry Port and other trade crossings would be fully digitized.

RSP stated it would initiate high-level diplomatic advocacy to secure Nepal's rightful compensation and grants from global climate funds by approving a national climate finance strategy, and that it would strongly raise the issue of climate change as 'climate justice' in international forums to protect Nepal's Himalayas and environment.

RSP pledged to increase the work and responsibilities of Nepal's diplomatic missions and stated it would end political apportionment by starting a scientific 'performance audit' system to measure the activity and results of diplomatic missions. RSP has also embraced the sentiment of 'Once a Nepali, always a Nepali.' The manifesto mentioned an immediate end to administrative hassles regarding property rights, advocating in principle for dual citizenship with some specific exceptions.