Top Leaders' Rallies Boost Voter Enthusiasm in Mahottari as Election Campaign Period Nears Climax

Mahottari. As the open campaign period for the upcoming House of Representatives election draws to a close, political parties have begun organizing public rallies, leading to increased activity. Election rallies held in all four House of Representatives constituencies in the district over the last couple of days, featuring participation from top party leaders, have significantly heightened the buzz.

After the filing of nomination papers, although parties and candidates were engaged in the election process, general feedback suggested a lack of significant enthusiasm among the general voters. However, intellectuals point out that the recent rallies organized by the parties, where top leaders were the main speakers, have increased public interest and reaction towards the election.

“Previously, although parties and candidates were campaigning and meeting people, there wasn't much enthusiasm among the general public,” says retired teacher Raghuveer Sah, a resident of Ramnagar, Bhangaha-4. “But now, following the rallies held by the parties in various places, the interest among general voters has sharply increased.” Sah observed that the rallies addressed by top leaders of various parties on Wednesday in Bardibas (Constituency No. 1), Balwa (Constituency No. 2), Jaleshwor (Constituency No. 3), and Semsi (Constituency No. 4) have significantly amplified the election wave. On Wednesday, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Chairman of the Labor Culture Party Harka Sampang addressed their respective party's election rallies in Bardibas.

Similarly, Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav and leader Mahantha Thakur addressed election rallies in Balwa. According to Dhruv Ray, a retired Associate Professor from Yagyavalkya Lakshminarayan Vidyapeeth in Matihanni, the election addresses given by Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma in Jaleshwor and Semsi the same day have led to increasing reactions in the towns and villages of the district regarding the leaders' statements.

“Voters are currently seen openly discussing the views expressed by the leaders in these rallies,” says Ray. “The increased interest among the general public as the election day approaches suggests that voter participation will rise.” The open campaign period lasts until coming Sunday, so there is a possibility that other parties might schedule rallies during this time.

“Voters are eagerly awaiting the addresses from leaders of parties that have yet to hold rallies, alongside the reactions to the rallies already held,” says 70-year-old Tara Bahadur Bhujel, a resident of Tharutol Banara, Bhangaha-4, who retired as an Under Secretary from the Nepal Government's agricultural service sector. “Voters who were unaware of the election campaign just a few days ago are now showing interest in when the remaining parties' programs will take place.” Bhujel believes this will boost the election atmosphere and encourage participation in voting.

Observers closely monitoring the campaign note that unlike previous elections, issues related to the code of conduct have been raised more strictly this time, and election-related feasts and banquets have not been seen so far. “Unlike previous times, the election feasts involving alcohol, which used to be seen in every locality, are absent this time, and except for one or two parties, there is no ostentatious campaigning,” says Kaushal Kishore Sah, a resident of Sarpallo settlement in Manra-Sisawa Municipality, who previously served as a member of the District Development Committee. “If this situation continues until election day, there is hope that this election will be conducted with dignity.” However, Sah suggested that the police administration should monitor parties engaging in flashy campaigning, as well as individuals and groups who have escaped from prison, snatched security personnel's weapons, or could potentially disrupt the election.

Intellectuals believe that parties and candidates should use the upcoming meetings to discuss the increased voter interest in a positive manner, even if it started a bit late. Ram Kumar Karki, a resident of Kalapani, Bardibas-3, who retired from the Under Secretary service of the Nepal Government, states that credibility for parties and candidates will increase, and the democratic system will be strengthened if they listen more to the people's concerns rather than imposing their own views in such discussions, admit any mistakes pointed out, promise to correct them, and only make achievable promises.