Tashi Lhazom, 26, is a Gen Z activist running for the Humla constituency on the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ticket in the House of Representatives (HoR) elections on March 5. In the wake of the election, Bal Krishna Sah of The Himalayan Times had a conversation with Lhazom regarding her ongoing experience in the election as a Gen Z activist and one of the youngest candidates. The required age to contest in the HoR election is 25. Excerpts:
HOW ARE HUMLA VOTERS RESPONDING TO YOUR CANDIDATURE?
Many people believe that if they continue to vote the old way, Humla will remain as it is, so they feel compelled to change their vote. They tell me that they will vote for me because I am a capable candidate, not because I am from the RSP. One 70-year-old man said that he does not know this party and has never seen it, but he will vote for me, thinking of me as his granddaughter, and asked me not to worry.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES YOU ARE FACING IN THIS ELECTION?
The most difficult challenge is funding. The Election Commission has set a spending limit of Rs 3.3 million per candidate in Humla, one of the highest in the country, and I do not have that amount, making financing the campaign extremely difficult.
COULD YOU DESCRIBE THE COSTS AND LOGISSTICAL ISSUES?
There are serious vehicle and infrastructure issues: Roads are rough, vehicles break down, and when one does, we must wait for another to arrive. Vehicle transport is a major issue, as is funding, because many people from various parties want to join and support my campaign, but I don't have enough vehicles to transport them. The cost of a vehicle here is around Rs 15,000 per day, and I'm using two vehicles until election day, which is very expensive. Fuel must be brought from Nepalgunj, and two barrels cost approximately Rs 68,000.
WHAT DOES THIS IMPLY ABOUT ELECTIONS IN REMOTE DISTRICTS SUCH AS HUMLA?
Humla is one of the most economically backward districts, but running an election campaign here is extremely expensive. It made me realise that not everyone can run for office directly because elections are costly, especially in remote districts - the further away you are, the more expensive it becomes. As a young person with little savings, this adds a lot of pressure, responsibility and a significant challenge.
HAS YOUR PARTY FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED YOUR CAMPAIGN?
As of now, the party has not given us any money or financial assistance to fund the campaign.
HOW ARE YOU ADDRESSING THE FUNDING CHALLENGE?
I really want to highlight the funding issue so that people can contribute to my online crowdfunding campaign. I have shared my link and scan code for funding support on my Facebook page, and I am publicly raising funds myself.
HOW DO PEOPlE VIEW THE GEN Z MOVEMENT?
Some people here love Gen Z, saying they did the right thing by creating fear in corrupt people through the movement. However, the Supreme Court and Singha Durbar, which are seen as national and public property, should not have been set ablaze.
HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO ALLEGATIONS THAT GEN Z BURNT PUBLIC BUILDINGS?
I clarify that Gen Z did not burn those places. Other members of political parties took advantage of the protest and set fire to the buildings while we remained peaceful. I explain that it is a very unfortunate incident and that the movement was hijacked by corrupt individuals who wanted it to fail but they will be brought to justice by the probe commission set up the interim government. I also want to point out that 76 people were killed and are now martyrs; their lives will never be restored, whereas the Supreme Court building can be rebuilt. People are upset because they believe we burnt public buildings, but we did not. This misinformation about Gen Z is something I have to constantly clarify.
WHERE IS THE MISINFORMATION COMING FROM?
Top leaders from major political parties spread misinformation and disinformation, which negatively impacts the spirit of Generation Z. However, we will have to deal with this as well.
IS YOUR PARTY FACING ANY ORGANISATIONAL CHALLENGES IN HUMLA?
Yes, the party structure in Humla is new; it does not have a proper organisation or party workers. As a result, approaching people in some households is difficult, as is organising local programmes.
HOW ABOUT CANDIDATES FROM OTHER PARTIES - ARE THEY POSING A SERIOUS CHALLENGE?
In Humla, all of the candidates are new faces, despite coming from established parties. I have been told numerous times to withdraw my candidature, and I have been approached at least four times by representatives or workers from major parties to rescind my nomination. They know I will garner a significant number of votes, so they tell me that I am young, have only recently begun, have a bright future, and should give them another chance this time by withdrawing.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE VOTERS AND THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SITUATION?
I want people to understand how difficult election expenditure is for new parties and young candidates: Old parties have deep pockets, and candidates often have money from corruption, whereas we, as a new party with no resources, struggle to cover even basic campaign expenses.
