Miscellaneous
VOTERS’ VOICE
With only seven days left for the local election, political parties are busy campaigning in the three provinces where the first phase of vote is taking place.With only seven days left for the local election, political parties are busy campaigning in the three provinces where the first phase of vote is taking place. As the election campaigns reach the last leg, candidates in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City are going door to door. Being held for the first time in 20 years, local polls have caught the attention of young voters, many of whom will be casting their votes for the first time. The Post caught up with youths, asking them what they look for in a candidate.
Bijay Lama, Tokha Municipality, Ward 6 (Age 26)
I am a management student currently looking for a job. I am pretty excited because we’re going to vote for our local government and representatives for the first time in two decades. Therefore, I believe everyone should participate in this election as it provides us with an opportunity to select the candidate of our choice. If you do not vote, you have no right to complain against any political party.
Apekshya Bhusal, Shantinagar, Ward 34 (Age 27)
The upcoming local election has given me an immense hope as many youths have filed their candidacy. I believe this will give a new dimension and bring the youths forward for overall development of the society. The development works at the local level suffered a setback due to the absence of elected local bodies. This election has provided us with an opportunity to fill that vacuum. One of the striking features this time has been women’s candidacy. I am fascinated with the mayoral candidacy of a young female politician in Kathmandu. Contrary to the views that she is young and inexperienced for the high post, I believe her youth is an asset. Now, it’s time for youths to come forward because we don’t need old political leaders and their outdated ideology.
Pankaj Pathak, Balkhu-14 (Age- 29)
A cleaner, safer Kathmandu city is what we look for. I am frustrated at having to travel under the cloud of dust every day. By the time I reach office, I feel stale due to Kathmandu’s dust, smoke and unmanaged traffic. This needs to be changed. The mainstream political parties have not brought any measures to mitigate Kathmandu’s pollution for years. So I can’t trust them even if their manifestos make big promises. As denizens of Kathmandu, we need someone who has a vision to make the Capital a better place to live.
Rabi Chand, Lalitpur, Bhainsepati, Ward- 25 (Age-29)
I personally feel that the upcoming local election is very important for me as this is going to give me an opportunity
to choose the representative from my local community. I teach at a few colleges in the Valley. Local election has been a topic of discussion even among college students. They are also equally excited about getting to choose their local representative. And interesting fact is, my whole Bhainsepati community is gearing up for the local polls,
and people of various parties have already started campaigns. This time I am going to cast my vote for one such leader who is visionary, well educated and who can solve the social problems and can work tirelessly for the development of my community.
Sangita KC, Kageshwori Manahara-2, (Age 25)
I am not much interested in politics, but with talks and wait for election everywhere, you cannot simply ignore it. It is good that election is happening in the country after such a long gap. Our Capital, Kathmandu, needs a complete facelift when it comes to its roads, public transport, water supply and other infrastructure. I am hopeful of new faces. We need a change to make
our city more liveable. I am still undecided about who to vote for. I will observe the candidates first and vote for one who seems to be capable of making our lives better.
Ishan Shrestha, Chappal Karkhana- 2 (Age 18)
I am happy that my age permits me to cast a vote. I have decided to vote for young candidates, who are energetic and come up with a vision. My choice is the force that worked tirelessly to provide relief in the aftermath of the Gorkha Earthquake. I also hold a strong belief that now is the time for youth leadership, and they should change the definition of politics that is taken as a “dirty game” in our country. It has to be made a “philanthropic game”.