Ujyalo Nepal proposes reducing number of federal, provincial lawmakers

KATHMANDU: The Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP) has unveiled its election manifesto, proposing a reduction in the number of members in the federal parliament and provincial assemblies.

UNP Chairperson Kulman Ghising, along with other leaders of the party, made the election manifesto public in Kathmandu on Sunday.

In the manifesto for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, the party has said that people’s right to receive timely public services, lodge complaints against corruption, and demand accountability will be established as fundamental rights in the constitution.

It also proposes reducing the number of members in the House of Representatives from 275 to 201 and cutting provincial assembly members from 550 to 330. Likewise, it has pledged to limit the federal cabinet to 15 ministries and provincial governments to 5–7 ministries, and eliminate the positions of ministers of state and assistant ministers. It has also proposed making chief ministers directly elected by the people to ensure stability.

To encourage greater public participation in democratic practices, the party has proposed allowing voters residing outside their home districts to cast ballots at the nearest polling center. It has also proposed introducing a “None of the Above” (Right to Reject) option on ballot papers.

Ghising said the party would impose a lifetime ban on corrupt individuals from holding public office and nationalize their property.

Like other political parties, the UNP has also promised free healthcare, free education, and easier access to employment opportunities. The party has also pledged to build 8,000 km of blacktopped roads, 4,000 km of gravel roads, and open 3,000 km of new tracks within the next five years.

In the energy sector, the party has committed to increasing hydropower production to 12,000 MW by 2030 and 25,000 MW by 2035, and boost energy exports to India, Bangladesh, and China. It has also expressed commitment to promote hydropower, medicinal herbs, cement, tourism, and IT as priority sectors.