Voters in Kathmandu Constituency 9 Prioritize National Stability and Good Governance Over Local Issues as Campaigning Intensifies

Kathmandu. As the election date approaches, the political fervor in Kathmandu Constituency Number 9 is reaching its peak. Candidates are visiting voters' homes to seek votes, while the electorate listens to their agendas. The expectations of voters in this constituency, who previously demanded infrastructure like roads and water supply from candidates, appear different this time—they seek overall national development and prosperity.

Voters, who previously cast ballots based on acquaintance or kinship, state that this time they will set aside these factors and choose a competent candidate. Hari Khadgi, a 45-year-old resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14, which falls under Constituency 9, says, "Let there be peace in the country, let them govern well. Then the country will build itself."

Khadgi believes that resolving national problems should be the main agenda for now, rather than development construction. "Currently, there is talk of two sides, one that will ruin the country and one that will save the country," he says, "The campaigning is like that." Khadgi, who has voted for different parties in the past, is planning to vote based on the agenda this time.

Uttam Giri, 42, from Nagarjun Municipality-6, is closely observing the election atmosphere. He is not affiliated with any political party yet and is concerned about the deteriorating state of the country. He states that the main problem now is not just local roads and water, but a national crisis. In his view, corruption and youth migration are like cancer for the nation.

"Our desire is that our children do not have to go abroad, and those who have gone return to do something in their homeland," says Giri. "We will vote for whoever shows a vision to jail the corrupt and run the country's factories." He criticized the working style of parties ranging from old to new.

Sant Tamang from Nagarjun-7 says that his choice will be a candidate who is development-oriented and pro-democracy. "Water taps have reached our village, and motorable roads have been built. Some development has certainly happened," he says, "But the condition of the country is deteriorating day by day." Tamang states that the current need is the protection of democracy, local development, and job creation at the national level, and he will vote for the candidate who carries these agendas.

Kumari Karki, 51, who runs a shop in Purano Naikap, Chandragiri Municipality-13, says that no matter which candidate stands this time, it will not attract her. She says she looks at the agenda carried by the party rather than the candidate.

"It doesn't matter to us who the candidates are," Karki says. "As long as the environment for earning a livelihood improves, there is no injustice, and justice is served. What more could one want?" Karki, who has voted in four elections so far, complains that those sent to power have not performed well.

What do the candidates say about the agenda?

I have come with a resolve to build the nation: Nanu Bastola (Nepali Congress Candidate)

I am receiving extremely encouraging feedback and warm affection from the voters of Kathmandu Constituency Number 9. This enthusiasm provides me with more energy. Many ask me, "What agenda have you brought this time?"

This time, through a special general convention, we have brought change in both the party's policy and leadership. We have come before the people not just with speeches, but with a manifesto backed by a vision. I have also published a separate manifesto for the development of this constituency. I have given special priority to education, health, self-employment, tourism, and agriculture in it. My main goal is to create a strong policy to implement the rights guaranteed to Nepali citizens by the constitution. We call this a 'Pledge Letter' instead of a 'Manifesto' because we are determined to fulfill whatever we promise.

Citizens certainly have some grievances and some expectations from the old parties. Instead of the leadership that failed to meet public expectations while in power yesterday, our party now has young leaders with new zeal, energy, and vision in the electoral field. The government we will form after the upcoming election and the roadmap of our proposed Prime Minister, respected Gagan Kumar Thapa, will give a new direction to the country. Citizens are enthusiastic about us because of his vision and our new faces.

I am a permanent resident of this constituency, and my political journey also began here from student politics. Therefore, I understand the feelings and problems of the people here closely. There is a need for commercialization to empower the women here economically. Youth need to be connected with self-employment. In some places, there are problems with roads, water, and fertilizers-seeds for agricultural production. On the other hand, this area is very beautiful from a tourism perspective. My plan is to promote the area from Chandragiri's Kalupande Samadhi Sthal to Switzerland Park as a tourist destination.

Looking at the metropolitan area, it seems necessary for the state to make special laws to manage traffic in places like New Road and O2, and to preserve the art and culture of the Newar community. Since this area borders a checkpoint, managing alternative routes is equally important. I want to go to parliament as a Member of Parliament to make policies and laws. I am committed to addressing the problems of every ward here by standing at the rostrum of the parliament. What people demand most right now is good governance and employment. I always stand firm in favor of good governance.

My main job is policy making: Dr. Ajaykranti Shakya (CPN-UML Candidate)

There is a lot of enthusiasm among the citizens of the metropolitan wards under Kathmandu Constituency Number 9, as well as in Chandragiri and Nagarjun Municipalities. As far as my agendas are concerned, since I am a candidate for the House of Representatives, my main job is policy making. Furthermore, we have clearly outlined our commitment in our commitment letter for the development plans of this constituency, the conservation of its social and cultural heritage, and the integrated development of various sectors including health and education.

During the door-to-door campaign, the public raised both their general daily problems and big demands for development construction. We plan to further refine and incorporate these public desires and problems into our plans.

What I found while touring this area is that the people here especially want local problems to be solved. Their focus is more concentrated on local development. Also, since an 'expert' candidate has come this time, they are very hopeful that the integrated development of this area will take place.

There will be no betrayal: Maila Lama (CPN Candidate)

I have closely observed the problems of Kathmandu Constituency Number 9. The problem here is representative of the problems of the entire country. There is a lack of employment. The state has failed to provide protection to industrialists and businessmen who want to do something. Problems of waste management, drinking water, and roads exist. One very sad thing I observed is that government schools here are gradually closing down. Private schools charge exorbitant fees, so the upgrading of government schools is high on my agenda.

On the other hand, the public is extremely angry seeing state public property being ruined by the collusion of political parties and brokers. Voters have asked to bring back that property. Drug addiction and traffic management are also serious problems here. Seeing that people still have to drink water from the taps and tanks we installed 18 years ago clearly shows how slow the pace of development has been here.

The public has high expectations from me. Friends from all ideologies—whether Congress, UML, RPP, or independent—have met me and said, 'Last time, due to some lack of voter education, the result was different, but this time you must win by any means and serve as our true representative.' I have given the same promise to all voters. Give me a chance by trusting me once. The trust you place in me will never be betrayed.

I will not let the vote go to waste: DP Aryal (Rastriya Swatantra Party Candidate)

I am currently on a door-to-door campaign. I am explaining to the voters about the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and informing them why they should vote for the 'Bell'.

Many ask me, 'What is your agenda?' My clear answer is: 'Good governance and the end of corruption.' Other parties also say these things, but we have come with the resolve to show results through action. As soon as good governance is established, a start to change will be seen in many sectors.

When I go to parliament as a federal representative, my main responsibility will be to coordinate to make the local government strong, efficient, and corruption-free. My plan is to work as a bridge between the federal, provincial, and local governments. Kathmandu-9 is connected from accessible areas like New Road to very remote and rural-looking places. I have planned to make this a model constituency, and my secretariat is working accordingly.

During the door-to-door campaign, I saw and heard many local problems. Some places have water problems, and there are complaints about not receiving compensation due to high-tension lines in some areas. There are issues related to compensation during the expansion of the Kalanki-Thankot road, and there are also reports of water sources drying up due to tunnel construction. I have taken serious note of all these issues. I am already active in finding solutions for them. I promise to deliver returns so that every single vote cast by the voters is not wasted.