Communist Party of Nepal Opts for Low-Key Campaign Ahead of Elections, Citing Shift in Strategy

Kathmandu. The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), which previously held large election rallies in the country's major cities, has appeared subdued for the election scheduled for Falgun 21.

CPN leader Dr. Beduram Bhusal informed that large election rallies will not be held this time, with only three days remaining until the start of the silence period. He asserted that holding further election rallies is unnecessary as they have already conducted major unity message assemblies across all seven provinces.

'We have already held the unity message assemblies. We won't hold them as election rallies. We are placing more emphasis on door-to-door campaigning. With only three days left, it is not feasible to hold large gatherings. Small programs and corner meetings might occur. This time is about winning the hearts of the voters rather than demonstrating strength,' he stated.

Another CPN leader, Rajendra Prasad Shrestha, insisted that large rallies are not necessary given the changing circumstances. He argued that the CPN is the new party in terms of ideology, principles, and agenda.

'The ideology and principles have changed. Being new doesn't automatically make one new. The CPN is the new party in terms of ideology, principles, and agenda. In the past, we had to hold large rallies because social media and media were not available,' he said. 'The times have changed now. It is not necessary for central leaders to go everywhere and give speeches. What is said in one place reaches everywhere instantly. The wave of 'newness' being portrayed outside is not showing much impact on the ground,' he added.

Shrestha further stated that the CPN is the only party capable of implementing an executive presidency, full proportional representation, and inclusivity in the future, and only Prachanda can lead this.

He clarified that despite the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) talking about good governance by ringing its bell loudly outside, the public cannot trust it due to the cooperative fraud, corruption, and opaque activities seen in its leadership.

Both leaders claimed that the CPN would win more than 40 seats in this election. A meeting of the election mobilization committee was held at the central office in Parisdanda on Thursday to review the overall aspects of the election. Bhusal claimed that based on reports received from 164 constituencies, there is a possibility of winning in 60 places, and the victory in the range of 40 to 50 among them is certain.

'To tell the real facts, we will win more than 40 seats in the first-past-the-post. The RSP's proportional votes will increase this time. But they will not get the seats they are claiming in the first-past-the-post. Media hype seems high, but the real ground situation does not look like that. According to the information we have received, it will be difficult for the RSP to become the first party. The Congress and UML are also not seen to be swept away as is being rumored,' he said.

Leader Shrestha also asserted that the CPN would win more than 40 seats based on reports from across the country. He estimated that the CPN would secure at least 1.5 million and up to 2 million votes in the proportional representation category.

'We are certain to win 40 to 50 seats in the first-past-the-post. We will get 2 to 2.5 million votes in proportional representation,' Shrestha claimed.

While foregoing large rallies, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' is currently busy with a contact forum program in Kathmandu. He has been claiming that the CPN is the party that can move forward by balancing the two extremes in the country's precarious situation. During a discussion with leftist intellectuals on Thursday, he asserted that his party's line has become clear. Prachanda claimed that opposition parties have also started saying that the CPN will get good votes.

'Our political line has become clear. We have not kept any 'ifs' or 'buts'. Since we stand clearly in favor of the nation, democracy, and the constitution, our comrades have gained 'confidence'. If the election is impartial, we will get a good result,' he said. 'Even our staunchest opponents have started saying that the result will be better than before. Some reports suggest that the results will be unexpectedly high. However, it is estimated that the CPN will win 60-plus seats,' he added.