Choose the right leadership

Six months after electing local government representatives, Nepalis are voting today to elect members of the House of Representatives and seven province assemblies. The results of the voting will determine the fate of the country. Since this election elects leadership for the implementation of the constitution and for drafting laws and policies that have a long-term impact, people’s participation is very important in this process.

Today is the day people evaluate the performance of the leaders and parties that they voted for  in the previous election. The right that people exercise will determine the future of the country. Therefore, voters should be careful to ensure that parties that violate the constitution, involve in different scams, devalue people’s votes, ignore pressing issues of the people and embroil in corruption once they attain power are not elected again. 

A single vote matters. A capable candidate may lose even if a single voter decides to vote against him/her or decides to abstain. One doesn’t get the opportunity to elect his/her representative regularly. Therefore, people should actively participate in the voting process.

If people vote wisely, the state power won’t go into the hands of the wrong people. If they take the correct decision today, they won’t have to criticize the leadership for the next five years. Therefore, it is the responsibility of one and all to select the correct leadership today so that they don’t have to regret tomorrow.

Candidates of different political parties are in the electoral field setting their own agendas, policies, ideologies, and priorities. Each of them has a long list of commitments. Some young faces are also in the electoral race. People need to understand who is more accountable to the people and vote accordingly. People won’t have to regret tomorrow if they vote for candidates who are committed to development instead of those making tall claims.

This is the second general election since the adoption of the republican setup, federal system of governance and the promulgation of the new constitution in 2015. The 2017 election played an important role to strengthen the federal democratic republic.

We have seen voters complaining to candidates about the lack of drinking water supply, bad roads, high unemployment rate and lack of development activities, among others. Such complaints are only natural. This is happening because candidates failed to properly tell voters that they have no role to play on these issues. As per the constitution, people’s representatives in the local governments have to take care of such issues. The responsibility of the members of parliament and province assemblies is to draft laws and policies for the smooth functioning of the government.

This is the second general election since the adoption of the republican setup, federal system of governance and the promulgation of the new constitution in 2015. The 2017 election played an important role to strengthen the federal democratic republic. Mainly, the election steered the country toward political stability. Though the activities of some parties and leaders when they were in the government let people down, the political situation has remained largely stable over the past five years. 

There has been some changes in the election process compared to the past election. Political parties and candidates were comparatively frugal. Publicity and campaigning also saw a drastic change. Wall painting, banners and pamphlets are not visible anymore. Cities and villages are clean. Candidates and political parties need to be praised for this. The Election Commission also should be commended. Such activities show that our democratic process is strengthening. 

People will be able to select the correct leadership only if the election process is free and fair. Political parties, their candidates, polling staff, security personnel, volunteers and observers have the responsibility of creating a conducive environment for voting.

To participate in the election process in a peaceful environment without any fear is the constitutional right of the people. All eligible people should actively participate in this process to select the right leadership.