Newly Formed Communist Party Unveils Election Manifesto Ahead of February Polls

 Kathmandu. The newly formed Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), comprising 22 different communist and socialist parties and groups, publicly released its election appeal on Thursday for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for February 21.

 The appeal, signed by party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and co-coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal, calls upon all voters to cast their ballots for the 'Star' election symbol to correct past shortcomings and transform the nation's condition.

'We changed the system, now we will change the condition,' with this main slogan, the party has made good governance, economic transformation, and national sovereignty its primary election issues.

Concluding that the current electoral system is extremely expensive, ostentatious, and complex, the party has declared its intention to change the election system itself. Citing instability in the country due to the lack of a single party majority and the prevalence of coalitions, the party emphasized the need to adopt a less expensive and simpler electoral system.

Furthermore, the party has resolved to defeat the extremist ideology of abolishing the current constitution obtained through the sacrifice of the people, and to make necessary amendments through serious review and revision of the constitution. The goal outlined in the appeal is to move towards scientific socialism by further strengthening the democratic republic and inclusive system.

Prioritizing good governance and transparency, the party has put forward a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption. The party is committed to forming a high-level commission to investigate the assets of all individuals who have held public office to date and to nationalize assets acquired through corruption. Leaders claimed they will end the malpractices that have spread like cancer, such as the commission system, delays, and opacity, by effectively delivering services at the doorstep of the people in line with the spirit of federalism.

The plan to build a self-reliant economy by transforming the socio-economic structure of the country is also included in the appeal. The party aims to create employment opportunities domestically through the development of agriculture, industry, water resources, and tourism, discouraging revenue based on imports and the growing trade deficit. A promise was made to lay the foundation for 'scientific socialism' by ensuring access to education, health, employment, food, and shelter for all citizens by controlling economic crimes such as broker capitalism, black marketeering, and loan sharking.

 Additionally, a commitment was made to end all forms of class, caste, and gender discrimination existing in society, including untouchability, Chhaupadi (menstruation hut practice), and witchcraft.

Clarifying its firm stance on defending national sovereignty and independence, the party announced the adoption of an independent foreign policy based on the principles of Panchsheel. The appeal prioritized rejecting interference from any foreign power, maintaining relations with all countries, including neighbors, on an equal footing, scrapping unequal treaties and agreements, and initiating efforts to reclaim encroached Nepali territory.