LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE

The Kathmandu Post

1 December 2017

LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE

The first phase of provincial and federal election just concluded in 32 districts with minimal disturbances, albeit a dozen security incidents took place in some districts. Early estimates put the turnout at 65 percent which is low as compared to overall national turnout, close to 75 percent for the local polls that took place in the summer. Most of the districts in the first phase polls were relatively inaccessible and mountainous. Few districts in the Midwestern region were relatively volatile being traditional Maoist hotbed. Nonetheless, the voters did not seem to be deterred by showing their desires to exercise their democratic rights. The national turnout is expected to improve once the elections are held in valleys, hills and Tarai districts in December 7.

Now, the major parties have started concentrating their election campaign for the second phase polls, despite incidents of bomb blasts and attack on candidates. An IED targeting poll candidates is reported to have been exploded injuring nine persons in Tulshipur (“IED blast in Tulshipur leaves nine injured, November 29, Page 1). Such incident has started even in the valley. Some anti-poll elements seem to be engaged in carrying out the attacked. Does this indicate that a portion of the Nepali population is still not happy with the ongoing political system? Do they want something different political system other than the existing one?  If this problem is not timely sorted out, would that be a bigger problem in the coming days?

Looking at the ongoing anti-poll incidents, the government seems to have arranged for proper security to ensure free and fair upcoming federal and provincial polls, especially in the sensitive areas (“ Govt plans to deploy 60,000 security forces in 8 districts” November 29, Page 3). Both the government and the Election Commission should make an effort to convince the voters for their security and safety on the polling day. Otherwise, the voters’ turnout in the upcoming polls may be low.

Ray Brien Banged

Maharajgunj

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2017-12-01/regulate-prudently.html