Envisions Nepal emerging as a middle-income economy within 20 years

Kathmandu, November 9

The Bibeksheel Sajha Party has stood in favour of directly-elected prime minster.

In its manifesto for the upcoming elections, the party stated that the existing Westminster parliamentary system has led to unstable governments and inequitable power equation. “Therefore, a governance system with directly-elected prime minster best suits the country,” reads the document.

The manifesto stated that political polarisation is not in national interest and the party will not accept standards that compromise nationalism, national pride, national unity, sovereignty, and geographical integrity.

On the issue of constitution amendment to address issues related to Madhesis, Tharus, indigenous groups and other marginalised communities, the manifesto says, ‘it is unwise to seek solution to every problem from sections of the constitution.’

The election document reads, “Effective implementation of federalism and proportional representation and the state’s policies and programmes will sort out many of these issues. The party believes these issues should be addressed gradually through constitution amendment while simultaneously giving momentum to development and prosperity following the roadmap presented by the democratic constitution.”

Under the theme of ‘prosperity in our lifetime’, the party has proposed graduating Nepal into a middle-income economy ensuring equitable and inclusive state within the next 20 years. To achieve this end, the party will expedite infrastructure development, including transportation, energy and information technology, by mobilising the private sector.

The manifesto envisions making the state the main facilitator for creation and mobilisation of national capital, promotion of entrepreneurship to enhance individual productivity, and encouragement of domestic and foreign investments to achieve industrialisation and job creation.

The party has also proposed identifying areas of comparative advantage such as tourism, agriculture, herbs and water resources, and deploying youths in these areas to achieve modernisation and sustainable growth.

According to the manifesto, the party will strive to eliminate political, bureaucratic and policy-level corruption, and ensure that civil servants, including security personnel and bureaucrats, have high morale and dignity.

On the diplomatic front, the party has said it will pursue balanced strategy in foreign relations and maintain ‘equi-proximity’ with neighbouring China and India.

The party’s other commitments include making the state responsible for fundamental services such as education, health and transportation; formulating policies that ensure maximum utilisation of donor funds; regulating international non-governmental organisations; conserving natural, historical and cultural heritages; and ensuring social security and opportunities to differently-abled people, senior citizens, women and children.