Electorate becoming the topic of conversation in the city
KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 23
As the election for the lower house of the federal parliament approaches, excitement in the electorate appears to be shifting and becoming the topic of conversation in many nooks and corners of the city.
In a bid to understand what young voters think, The Himalayan Times caught up with a group of youths from across Nepal who had gathered in one of the cafes in Kathmandu for tea and snacks in the afternoon. This time, they said, they want to vote for change.
Sushant Gyawali, 21, of Gulmi Constituency-1 is going to exercise his adult franchise right for the first time, but he sounded explicit about what he wants from this election.
"I am voting for change this time," he said. "I will vote for Sagar Dhakal, Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate in Gulmi-1." When asked why, he said, "Dhakal brings newness to politics."
Furthermore, he ran against Sher Bahadur Deuba in the previous election. Despite his defeat, he instilled hope in young people. However, he emphasised that in Gulmi, the elderly are the kingmakers who sway votes. They have been misled into believing that traditional parties such as the UML and Nepali Congress provide old-age pensions, when in fact the government does.
"Young people do not have voter IDs, but they support the change. This scenario could affect the election results," he told THT.
Meanwhile, Sanchar Panthi, 24, of Nawalparasi-1, claimed that manifestos are only for namesakes. They promise the moon but deliver the stones. "Nonetheless, I am in favour of change," he stated. He described an incident in which candidates distributed money. According to him, a group of people approached one of the candidates and asked for money. He replied, "This is not the right time. He will give them later."
Aakash Karki, 24, of Palpa Constituency-2, appeared astounded by Balen's work and impression. He emphasised that Balen, as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has already demonstrated his ability to lead effectively. "I am voting for Balen this time," he stated. Sirish Acharya, 24, of Kathmandu-4, who is voting for the second time, said he has not decided who to vote for yet, but he is leaning towards the new candidate.
He said Gagan Thapa has done very little despite winning three times. Balen stands to be a better prime ministerial choice than any other candidate, as he follows a new approach and way of thinking.
"I think my vote is for change this time, but it is not certain for anyone, because Kathmandu-4 is facing stiff competition," he told THT. "It is difficult to predict in my constituency, but the competition is likely to centre on Pukar Bam (Rastriya Swatantra Party), Sachin Timalsena (Nepali Congress), and Rajan Bhattrai (UML)."
When asked what they thought the parties' agenda should be, they said they should focus on environmental issues like pollution, with policy implementation at the forefront.
They concurred that their priorities should be business and industry, with a focus on employment to halt brain drain.
Manoj Kumar Chaudhary, 27, of Banke-1, stated that he will vote for Balen for Prime Minister because he has proven himself. "My family supports the Nepali Congress, but I want to vote for change this time," he said. "I have voted for close friends before, but this time I'm voting for capable people."
Samir Gautam, 30, of Rupandehi-5, who is voting for the third time, stated, "I am also considering changing my vote for shift this time. The world has moved in unimaginable ways, but we are still stuck on basic issues like health, education, and infrastructure. Therefore, I'm hoping the new ones will act differently." According to Gautam, the elderly and young are considering voting for change - RSP - but the middle-aged (50-60) appear to be locked in with UML or Nepali Congress.
"We should give a chance to new people who favour change," said Nirjal Pandey, 18, a resident of Kathmandu constituency-9.