Peaceful election, less-enthusiastic voters

KATHMANDU: After visiting some polling centers in Kathmandu Valley and watching television reports, this election can be analyzed as peaceful and managed but less enthusiastic. The low enthusiasm was mainly because many people chose to not return to their village to cast votes few weeks after returning to their workplaces after celebrating major festivals. People’s enthusiasm seen during the local body election held in March was non-existent in this election. Despite some sporadic incidents, the election was largely peaceful thanks to people’s patience.

People didn’t seem much enthusiastic during voting. It seemed that they were just fulfilling their duty as responsible citizens. Volunteers and returning officers to seem confused. Though the Election Commission had made excellent arrangement, the inkpad was of low quality. The ink could have spread over ballot papers. This is not a normal issue.

Holding the election for House of Representatives and seven province assemblies at a go is not an ordinary achievement. The Chief Election Officers of India and Bangladesh have said the same.

Voters didn’t look much enthusiastic. A middle-aged man told this scribe he even don’t know who are contesting the election.

Reports of clashes have come from few polling stations. Election process has been postponed in few centers, while voting has resumed after settling disputes in few others. According to police, one person has died in Bajura and few others are injured.

Despite all these incidents, the election can be termed comparatively peaceful. Even the international observers have said the same. Low voter turnout, however, is a matter of concern. But it could be due to people’s lack of faith and enthusiasm toward the candidates.

The vote count will begin from Sunday itself. Though the candidates getting the highest number of votes will be elected, the low turnout will question the popularity of the winning candidate. If people continue to show indifference to the election process, we should all understand that the future of democracy is in crisis. Therefore, the low turnout should be a matter of concern for all. This indifference is largely due to the worthlessness and selfish character of people who enjoyed state power after the political change of 2006. Unfortunately, political leadership is not willing to bring about reforms. The political leadership should now try to find reasons behind people’s growing dissatisfaction and correct themselves.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba Sunday said the election for the House of Representatives and provincial assembly was conducted in a peaceful, fearless and enthusiastic environment. But there was not much enthusiasm like he said.

Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has said about 61% of votes have been cast as per initial estimate. He said the voter turnout was lower than the expectations of the Election Commission. Thapaliya also said it is difficult to explain the reasons behind low enthusiasm of voters.

Nevertheless, the election has made a great contribution to strengthening and institutionalizing the federal democratic republic. The Election Commission should be thanked for successful holding this election.