Election Day: A Moment for Nepali Citizens to Shape the Nation's Future and Uphold Democratic Principles

Today is not just a day to mark a symbol on a ballot paper; it is the day that reflects the dreams and struggles of the people. Today is the day the Nepali people exercise their supreme right to write the nation's future. The Constitution of Nepal, framed by the people's elected Constituent Assembly, clearly states that sovereignty is vested in the Nepali people. Indeed, today's election is the opportunity to put this right into practice.

When the people mark the ballot paper, they will not merely be choosing a party or a candidate; they will be electing representatives who will build a government that fulfills the future of their children, the national interest, the foundation of good governance, and the aspirations of the public. In short, the people will use their wisdom to chart the course for the nation's future. This belief is what keeps democracy alive—power in the hands of the people, the nation's future in the hands of the people.

In this election, approximately 18.9 million voters will exercise their franchise to elect a 275-member House of Representatives. Of these, 165 members will be elected through the first-past-the-post system, and 110 members through the proportional representation system. This constitutional arrangement, combining two systems, ensures the diversity and representation of the people, which will be put into practice through democratic exercise.

This election comes two years ahead of the normal schedule. Last Bhadra 23, Gen-Z youth took to the streets protesting the ban on social media and demanding good governance. During that protest, the government brutally suppressed the movement, leading to the loss of 19 young Gen-Z lives in a single day. In reaction, anger spread across the country, and the following day, an uncontrollable mob set fire to government structures, including the country's main administrative center Singh Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, as well as commercial establishments and private property. In the span of two days, 76 people lost their lives. These incidents pushed the country toward a deep political crisis. Under that pressure, then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, and amidst the heat of that anger, the incumbent House of Representatives also failed to prove its existence. 

Following that political and constitutional vacuum, there was a compulsion to form a non-political interim government. President Ramchandra Paudel formed an interim government under the leadership of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sushila Karki. As per the demands of the protesting forces, the President dissolved the then-House of Representatives and tasked the interim government with holding elections within six months. Extraordinary decisions not stipulated in the constitution, such as the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the formation of a government from outside Parliament, were also accepted by the nation, as it was a tactic to save the constitution. Today's election will bring the country back within the full constitutional framework.

Navigating the twists and turns of uncertainty and suspicion, the country has entered the voting phase for the formation of a new House of Representatives. Once the interim government, formed through the strength of the movement, completes the profound responsibility entrusted to it by holding the elections, the country will move forward on the constitutional path. The interim government led by Sushila Karki will step down after handing over the reins of power to the Prime Minister to be chosen by the House of Representatives formed through this election. In this sense, this election is significant for ending the transition period. 

This election is an important link in the defense of the achievements gained after a long struggle and democratic rights—the Federal Democratic Republic. Therefore, all Nepalis must use it as a golden opportunity.

It is imperative for political parties, candidates, security agencies, the administrative machinery, and all stakeholders to contribute to making the voting free, fair, and peaceful. One must not let their conscience be held hostage by following rumors, blindly following others, or succumbing to any form of fear, intimidation, or temptation. Voting secretly based on one's own discretion and having the right to do so is a citizen's constitutional right, while supporting the cleanliness and success of the election is a citizen's duty.

The people view this election as an opportunity for change. Their expectations are:

• An end to corruption,

• Formation of a stable government,

• Establishment of good governance,

• That the Parliament becomes a forum for enacting laws in the interest of the people, rather than merely a stage for forming and collapsing governments.

Youth participation is particularly high in this election. Hundreds of thousands of young people are voting for the first time. Their vote will not just be a mark, but a message of change. The youth are seeking employment opportunities, honest leadership, transparent governance, and stability. This very aspiration has injected new energy into the election.

In a democracy, it is not enough for the government to be strong; the opposition must also be equally strong. The movement of Bhadra 23 and 24 last year made this clear. When the two major parties were in government, they were numerically strong, but they failed to understand the anger of the youth. We experienced during the Gen-Z movement that a strong government alone is not enough; the opposition must also be strong. Although the two major parties held nearly a two-thirds majority when they were in government, the then-government failed to understand the suppressed anger among the youth in time, and the opposition parties, despite having smaller numbers, also failed to effectively hold the government accountable in line with the feelings of the youth before that anger spilled onto the streets. Consequently, the nation suffered significant loss of life and property and endured uncertainty.

Therefore, this election must deliver not only a strong government but also a strong opposition. The opposition is the guardian that holds the government accountable by bringing forward the dissatisfaction and voice of the people. This election will only gain significance if the parties honestly fulfill their respective roles according to the mandate given by the people.

Let us hope—whether the candidates are new or old—that the new mandate will elect the deserving ones. Regardless of who wins or loses, the country must win. Today, every ballot cast wisely by the sovereign Nepali people will be a lamp that guides our beautiful country toward the light of good governance and prosperity.