President Paudel Addresses Nation Ahead of House of Representatives Election, Calling It Historic Opportunity

Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel stated that the House of Representatives election, scheduled for Thursday, is not merely a constitutional process for selecting representatives but also a historic opportunity to make the journey of the federal democratic republic broader, more credible, and stronger.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the House of Representatives election, he called for participation in this historic election with the resolve to protect democracy, promote social justice, and further strengthen the journey of development.

The full text of President Paudel's address to the nation is as follows:

Respected Brothers and Sisters,

The election for the members of the House of Representatives, set to take place on Falgun 21, is occurring as an exit from a complex situation in our political history. This election is not just a constitutional process for selecting representatives; it is also a historic opportunity to make the journey of the federal democratic republic broader, more credible, and stronger.

The country has achieved significant milestones over the past few years. After long struggle and sacrifice, we have established a democratic republic. As everyone knows, an inclusive state structure has been ensured through the new constitution today.

We have institutionalized the federal governance system and devolved authority to the provincial and local levels. Efforts have begun to strengthen the rights of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Dalits, women, and marginalized communities by expanding social security programs. In the last decade, the country has been moving forward with remarkable progress in education, health, road, energy, and communication infrastructure. It is well-known that these achievements were not easily attained; they are the result of the people's sacrifice, unwavering faith, and their active participation.

However, we still have work to do in the areas of good governance, social justice, accountable governance, and service delivery. I believe that the upcoming election will institutionalize that very sentiment and inject new energy into democracy. This election will fulfill the dreams of the previous generations who struggled and sacrificed against autocracy, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for it, the demand for good governance by the youth, and the expectation for transparency and accountability. And, it will make our democratic practice more trustworthy and mature.

I am confident that this election will redefine the journey of development, prosperity, social justice, and progress in a new way and take it to new heights.

This election is an epochal necessity for us to move towards new possibilities while protecting and promoting the recent achievements. Therefore, making this election successful is our shared task and historical responsibility. I urge all political parties, candidates, civil society, media, and concerned bodies to remain fully committed to conducting the election process in a peaceful, free, impartial, and fear-free environment.

Differences in opinion are natural, but tolerance, dignity, and respect for the rule of law must be our shared values. Let us all come together and participate in this historic election with the resolve to further strengthen the protection of democracy, the promotion of social justice, and the journey of development.

Jai Nepal!