Kathmandu, 5 March: The excitement of the House of Representatives election, centered on key issues such as effective implementation of the Constitution, good governance, prosperity, economic development, transparent service delivery, and overall transformation, has spread across the country. In line with the mandate of the youth (Gen Z) movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24 in favor of good governance, employment, and accountable leadership, voting for members of the House of Representatives is taking place today (Thursday) in all 165 electoral constituencies nationwide.
A total of 275 members will be elected — 165 through the first-past-the-post system and 110 through the proportional representation system. As the country approaches the completion of a decade since the promulgation of the Constitution, this election is expected to lead the nation toward a new path of transformation. Voters heading to polling stations, social activists not affiliated with political parties, and leaders of the Gen Z movement have expressed confidence that this election will deliver a renewed commitment and public mandate for building a truly new Nepal.
Gen Z movement leader and social activist Monika Niroula, educationist Ghanshyam Dahal of Kageshwari Manohara Ward No. 9 in Kathmandu, and voter Bimala Maharjan of Kathmandu Constituency No. 8 expressed hope that the House of Representatives election could become a historic turning point for advancing good governance, economic development, domestic job creation, technological progress, and overall national transformation.
Similarly, Anuradha Koirala, Chairperson of Maiti Nepal, an organization working against human trafficking, and Menuka Thapa, Chairperson of Raksha Nepal, expressed confidence that the election would bring forward accountable leadership committed to good governance, a transparent state system, and the security and self-employment of women, who make up more than 51 percent of the population.
“There Must Be Assurance of Good Governance”
Social activists stated that ending corruption and ensuring good governance will be the responsibility of the upcoming Parliament and government. Monika Niroula said the election would be historic for many reasons. She emphasized that the new Parliament must lead the country out of transitional challenges and strengthen the democratic republican system. “The Parliament and government formed after the election will carry great responsibility. The country must move from stagnation to dynamism. Therefore, a Parliament bearing historic responsibility will be formed,” she said.
Educationist Dahal noted that the election is closely linked to good governance, economic development, and prosperity. He stated that since this election is being held under different circumstances than in the past, it has the potential to change the country’s destiny and future. “This is an election that will take the country toward progressive transformation. Candidates who advocate progressive and transformative ideas must be elected, and reforms must begin in the economy, education, social, and cultural sectors,” he said.
Voters also stressed that the Parliament and government formed after the election must reduce corruption in all state bodies and guarantee good governance. Voter Bimala Maharjan said the country would move forward if lawmakers understand citizens’ rights and the state’s responsibilities and can coordinate effectively. “Lawmakers must understand the sentiments of voters and enter Parliament with a clear roadmap to elevate the country to prosperity within five years,” she said.
Women’s Security and Employment
Anuradha Koirala and Menuka Thapa emphasized that Parliament must work for the security and employment of women, who constitute 51.02 percent of the population. Koirala said, “I am fighting for women’s security. There must be a safe environment for girls and assurance of safety for adolescent girls and women across the country. That is our expectation.”
Thapa stressed that women must be prioritized in policymaking, including in reproductive, mental, and physical health. “Healthy and strong women will give birth to healthy and capable children who will be motivated to serve the nation. Only then will the vision of a strong people and a prosperous nation become a reality,” she said.
Capable Leadership for National Progress
Monika Niroula stated that national progress is only possible with capable leadership. She emphasized the need for a Parliament that strengthens public institutions, institutionalizes the republic, implements federalism through necessary laws such as the Police Act and Civil Service Act, and fulfills citizens’ expectations. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that the judiciary, executive, legislature, and constitutional bodies can function independently.
Menuka Thapa highlighted the need for lawmakers capable of maintaining geopolitical balance and strengthening foreign relations. “The election will search for honest, idea-driven, mature, confident, and patriotic leadership that understands the aspirations of the younger generation,” she said.
Educationist Dahal expressed confidence that the election would bring leadership capable of managing the bureaucracy effectively. “The Parliament and government must fully embrace the concept of digital governance and build a financially transparent state system. Distortions seen in both political leadership and bureaucracy must be completely ended,” he said.
Voter Maharjan expressed hope that the country will now find a way forward, emphasizing the need for policy and systemic reforms. “This historic election carries an important mandate. It is time to prove the public’s trust through action,” she said.
