Former Chief Election Commissioner Urges Peaceful Conclusion to Upcoming Elections for Democratic Stability

Kathmandu. Former Chief Election Commissioner Neelkantha Uprety has appealed to all political parties and candidates to create an environment for the upcoming electoral 'great sacrifice' to be concluded peacefully, emphasizing its importance for the stability of democracy and good governance.

He stated that democracy flourishes and the nation achieves prosperity only through peaceful election campaigning by political parties and candidates, coupled with enthusiastic voter participation.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Uprety said, "Even if we cannot provide stability to politics, we are experienced in the process of conducting elections. We have conducted many elections peacefully amidst enthusiastic voter participation even in past challenging situations."

Under his leadership, the Election Commission successfully conducted the second Constituent Assembly election in the year BS 2070. That same Constituent Assembly promulgated the Constitution of Nepal.

Edited excerpts from an interview with former Chief Election Commissioner Uprety, focusing on the upcoming House of Representatives election, are presented here.

The nation is on the verge of elections; how do you view this election?

Periodic elections occur every five years. The exact day, date, and month should also be known to the voters beforehand. This arrangement exists in countries with stable democracy and politics. In the interest of democratic stability, the situation requiring elections before the regular term is due should be avoided as much as possible. If the circumstances that led to the declaration of elections in Nepal had not arisen, the regular election would have been held in BS 2084. During this intervening period, the government could not perform well, resulting in a forced situation where mid-term elections had to be held due to the momentum of the 'Janjati' movement. However, the demand for elections was not raised during the 'Janjati' movement. The mid-term election became necessary and mandatory to transition to a democratic process following the exit of the then-government. By now, election preparations have reached the final stage. It is hoped that in a democracy, there will be no need to seek alternatives or other measures to elections. We have advanced significantly in democratic practice. We are experienced in conducting elections and have held many elections with enthusiastic voter participation. Nevertheless, it is regrettable that politics lacks stability and governments are unstable. Improvements need to be made in this aspect. As for the election on this coming Falgun 21, it is already here. Now, it must be brought to a peaceful conclusion.

To make the election peaceful and conduct it according to procedure, voters must cast their votes for the good person and party they prefer. The government formed based on the election results must be able to provide development and good governance according to the public sentiment. For this, every voter has an equal responsibility. In elections, the role of the voter is greater than that of philosophy and principles in ensuring the victory of political parties and candidates, because an election is meaningless without the vote of the electorate. Voting must be pure; the swastika mark should not go outside the designated area. In almost all past elections, Nepali voters have participated enthusiastically. The same atmosphere must be created this time. The Election Commission, the government, political parties, candidates, and voters must all collectively fulfill the responsibility and duty of this electoral 'great sacrifice'.

What aspects are given the most attention during elections?

The representation of political parties and candidates is given the most attention in elections. That is, attention is focused on whoever is likely to win. Although all candidates contesting the election try to win, the voters test and evaluate them. Voters in the far east and west, even without consulting each other, can elect a political party and candidate embodying a certain philosophy through collective wisdom.

Not all candidates can win in an election. Candidates only win in the number of constituencies and locations available. Not everyone wins, but Nepal and democracy must win. It is hoped that the upcoming election allows for representation of all classes, regions, groups, and genders in a manner consistent with the rules. The government formed after the election should run for the full five-year term. The parliament should also function fully. Elections should not result in having 17 governments in 17 years, as in the past, when elections are held for a five-year term.

Due to short tenures and coalition governments being unable to perform effectively, the aspirations of the Nepali people for good governance, development, and prosperity are being overshadowed. If governments change continuously, it becomes difficult for politics to achieve stability. Development processes cannot advance without political stability. This time, the collective wisdom of the voters should deliver a good result. For that, one must vote for the trusted individual and party that can bring about a stable government in the country.

What is the role of different entities in ensuring the election is clean, free, fearless, and impartial?

Elections are said to be expensive. Indeed, elections are costly for the state as well. The election process, procedures, and system also contribute to the expense. If the competition among political parties and candidates is based on knowledge, wisdom, experience, and philosophy, the election will be clean, free, impartial, and economical. It is important to choose candidates who can adhere to their principles, commitments, and resolutions, versus those who aim to win by any means. The mentality of winning the election by any means, entering parliament, and turning it into a business or job must be abandoned. The public must think carefully about this matter.

It is often said that the notion that elections should be won by integrity and principles, not money, is fading away lately!

Voters must be able to identify candidates who have a democratic mindset, are engaged in social service, and are committed to principles and integrity. Election expenses must be kept within the stipulated limit. The practice of spending excessively in elections and then showing minimal accounts in paper reports must be stopped. The Election Commission has the authority to disqualify candidates who spend excessively and engage in ostentatious campaigning.

The issues presented by political parties and candidates to the voters during election campaigning must be sustainably credible. Campaigning must be conducted in a peaceful manner. There should be no mutual accusations. Security must be tightened to ensure the election is impartial and peaceful. Voters should not forget their duty to vote in the election. Voting should be done thoughtfully. Votes should not be wasted. Voting must be done by managing time, even amidst the pressure of household chores. Voting is a priceless donation for the future and welfare of the country, akin to worshiping and offering to God. No one should be excluded, nor should anyone be allowed to exclude others. Political parties and candidates also need to properly teach and explain the method and process of voting.

What aspects should political parties and candidates focus on most during the election campaign period?

Periodic elections are not held for running the government for nine months or one year. How will voters know that the election will result in a permanent government? That is the biggest question. Who created the situation where people enter government but cannot work continuously for five years? Voters must analyze before casting their votes. While some blame political parties, voters themselves, and the electoral system to some extent, there is also the view that having too many political parties in parliament leads to instability. This also tests the wisdom of the voters. Their wisdom determines who forms the government and how the path of development moves forward. The government formed after the election must be able to lead the country towards prosperity in a judicious manner, based on the capacity and condition of the entire nation.

The country is immersed in election activities; what is the role of the government and the Commission at this time?

The government must provide the Election Commission with all necessary resources for the election process and ensure a secure environment so that political parties, candidates, and voters can participate in the election with confidence.

The government must assess the overall security situation of the country, analyze which constituencies, areas, and polling stations pose security challenges, and make necessary arrangements.

We are experienced in elections. Security arrangements must be tight from election campaigning to voting, transportation of ballot boxes, counting, and the time of victory processions. Directly concerned parties, namely political parties and candidates, must cooperate in creating the necessary environment for this.

What do you have to say about the precautions political parties and candidates should take during election campaigning?

This time, the election campaign period is set from Falgun 4 to 18. What can be done, what should be done, and what should not be done during this period is clearly written in the election code of conduct. All political parties and candidates should be allowed to campaign in a civil manner. While campaigning for one's own side, one should not oppose the other side. Currently, the use of technology in election campaigning is increasing. One should not spread malice, hatred, or baseless propaganda by accusing the other side, not just engaging in mutual accusations. Only one's own positive aspects and objectives should be publicized. Voter education and social media have proven to be very effective mediums for election campaigning.

Why is the silence period viewed as somewhat tricky and special in elections?

Election campaigning is happening everywhere. In some places, candidates from different parties are seen embracing each other while asking for votes. This is a positive aspect. The silence period is arranged to calm the atmosphere towards the end of the election campaigning and to allow voters time to think about which candidate they should vote for. The silence period is extremely important for creating the atmosphere for the great electoral sacrifice after the intense campaigning concludes. During that time, political parties and candidates must not engage in any activity contrary to the election code of conduct. They must remain quiet. No statement should be made in a way that influences voters. No action should be taken that casts aspersions on or influences the sanctity of the election.

Finally, do you have any message for the voters?

The responsibility to save democracy lies with the voters, political parties, and candidates. We must be the ones to make democracy stable and permanent. Voters must be able to select good candidates based on their wisdom and judgment. Even if there are differences in philosophy, voting must be done with pure and clean intentions. One must reach the polling station within the stipulated time and vote in a manner that ensures the vote is not wasted.