An Election is Inevitable to Lead the Country Forward

After the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9, an interim government was formed in Nepal, which has set March 4 as the election date. In this context, concerns have been expressed about whether the election will take place on the scheduled date. If the election does not happen, the country’s democratic system will collapse. The constitution will cease to function, and the nation will fail. For the election to be completed on the set date, the participation of political parties is also essential, because in a democracy, ideas matter, and political parties are the ones who uphold them. The dissatisfaction is not with the system itself, but with certain tendencies. Leadership change from the older generation is now a necessity. Political parties must reform. The belief that there will be broad participation in the election is supported by the enthusiasm seen in voter registration. Elections are imperative to provide the country with a way forward. For this, it is natural for civil society, the administrative sector, and all concerned stakeholders to have concerns and interest. Regarding security, the escaped prisoners and the weapons looted must be collected as soon as possible.

Dinesh Pandey 
President, Federation of Journalists, Ruapndehi

Elections are meant to be held in a fear-free environment. When people are not even in a position to step outside their homes, how can elections be possible under such circumstances? Political parties themselves are saying that elections are not possible in the current situation. Once a date has been set, elections must be held on time by creating a fear-free environment. But under the present conditions, conducting an election is not easy. From the perspective of public opinion, a party that holds nearly 30 percent of the votes is saying that elections should not be held until a conducive environment is created. Individuals involved in various crimes have broken out of prison, and weapons belonging to the Nepal Police have been looted. In such an atmosphere of fear, elections on the scheduled date are not possible.

Aaditya Acharya 

Coordinator, Gen-Z Lumbini Province

There is a belief that the election must be held on the scheduled date, March 4. The movement was carried out to put forward the demands of Gen-Z, and those demands must be addressed. Until the movement of September 8 and 9 is institutionalized, we do not consider our demands fulfilled. Even in a situation where prisoners have escaped from jail and security personnel’s weapons have been looted, it does not mean that the election cannot be held, the election must take place on the scheduled date. The election will not be stopped on the pretext of looted weapons. Even if weapons have to be bought from outside, the election must be conducted on time. Right now, we have a Gen-Z-led government. The election will be held on time.

Sumitra Sharma
Human Rights Activist and Social Campaigner

In a party-based system, political parties must be allowed to participate in elections. Under special circumstances, the current interim government has been formed. The main task of this government is to conduct elections within six months. Regarding the children killed during the Gen-Z movement on September 8, a factual investigation must be conducted to ensure justice. On September 9, citizens’ personal property and important state property were destroyed. A factual investigation of this must also be carried out. There must be clarity on what issues the constitution provides for and what issues Gen-Z has demanded, and an environment should be created to address these demands, potentially through constitutional amendment. The government must be sensitive on this matter. Political parties also have no option but to unite. Gen-Z must also clearly state their demands; the initial demands and the current demands have been expanding. In such circumstances, the possibility of holding elections is doubtful. In an environment of fear like this, elections are not possible.

D.R. Ghimire
Senior Journalist and Analyst

It would have been very good if the election had been held on the scheduled date. If the election had taken place on time, the country would have fallen into rhythm. However, for the election to occur on the scheduled date, the same group that caused destruction in the name of Gen-Z on September 9 will not allow it to happen. Right now, they are focused on how to gain public support in their favor. In this situation, it is unlikely that they will let the election take place until they secure public backing. It is also necessary to clarify that the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and the group that caused destruction on September 9 are different. At present, political parties are restricted. They are being prevented from reaching the people. Under such circumstances, how can elections be held on the scheduled date? In such a situation, holding elections on time is complicated. The mere fact that a security committee meeting has taken place does not mean that all preparations are complete. Under these conditions, elections are not possible.

Jeevanarayan Adhikari
Professor and Researcher

It does not seem that the election will be that easy. The issue of peace and security is becoming complicated. The Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9 has lowered the morale of the overall security apparatus. There are multiple security concerns due to bringing the former police chief under investigation, escaped prisoners from various jails, and weapons looted from security personnel.So far, the government has not provided any framework regarding the demands of Gen-Z. The interim government has not even entered these issues. On the other hand, Gen-Z has stated that they will not allow elections until their demands are addressed. Under the current circumstances, even the so-called major political parties do not see a conducive environment to participate. For this reason, there is no certainty that the election will take place on the scheduled date.

Gautami Sunar (Deepa) 
Advocate and Human Rights Activist

The interim government has set March 4 as the election date. The Prime Minister has been insisting that the election will be conducted on time. At first glance, it seems like the election might take place on schedule. Major political parties are engaged in efforts to reinstate the parliament. Reports have emerged that prisoners who escaped from various jails have committed different incidents after coming out. In such an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, how can elections be possible? From a security perspective as well, there are doubts about whether the election will take place on time.