A Decisive Opportunity for Democracy and Accountable Leadership

The upcoming election on Falgun 21, 2082 has attracted strong participation from both long‑established and newly formed political parties. Notably, several groups that had previously boycotted the electoral process have joined the race this time, broadening the scope of democratic competition. As a result, the election atmosphere has become increasingly energetic across the country.

With the nomination process now complete, parties and candidates have intensified their door‑to‑door campaigns, and public engagement is visibly rising. According to the Election Commission, a total of 3,406 candidates has registered for the House of Representatives election, contesting 165 constituencies nationwide. The candidate pool includes 3,017 men, 388 women, and one individual listed as ‘other’.

Taking place in the aftermath of a prolonged constitutional and political crisis, the election is widely viewed as a vital step toward restoring political stability and rebuilding public confidence. It is also seen as essential for protecting key democratic achievements, including republicanism, federalism, and inclusion. With nearly 19 million registered voters across the country, expectations of a high voter turnout have strengthened hopes for a renewed and credible democratic mandate.

Amid ongoing political uncertainty and widespread public dissatisfaction, the growing voice of the Gen Z generation has injected fresh energy into the electoral environment. Their calls for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership have reshaped public discourse and raised expectations from political actors. As a result, this election is being seen not merely as a routine democratic exercise, but as a decisive opportunity to restore public trust and set Nepal’s democracy on a more responsible and forward-looking path.

Elections in Nepal have long been criticized as rituals for gaining power rather than genuine exercises in democratic accountability. In selecting candidates, political parties have often prioritized factional interests, personal loyalty, and financial influence over competence, integrity, and public credibility. This approach has weakened Parliament and policymaking institutions, limiting their ability to deliver on public expectations.

A persistent power-centred mindset among top leaders has also hindered the emergence of new, socially responsive leadership. The repeated prominence of controversial figures has widened the gap between citizens and politics, eroding public trust and undermining democratic processes.

In this context, the Falgun 21 election presents a critical opportunity to shift from power-driven politics toward people-centred, accountable governance. With candidates already in the field, the responsibility now rests with voters to make informed and conscious choices. If exercised wisely, this election could become a turning point in fostering a political culture rooted in ethics, transparency, and public service.

The Gen Z generation is no longer content with politics defined by speeches and slogans. They question authority, demand answers, and actively pressure leaders to be accountable. Their growing political engagement—shaped by progressive thinking, alternative ideas, and civic awareness—has emerged as a hopeful sign for democracy.

The Gen Z–led movement last Bhadra forcefully raised concerns over corruption, discrimination, and long-standing youth frustration. Calls for transparency and good governance contributed to political change, while the loss of 76 lives and injuries to more than 2,000 underscored a stark message: impunity and corruption are no longer tolerable.

By rejecting outdated political practices and demanding integrity, young citizens have signalled an irreversible shift. Amplified through social media and civic campaigns, this awareness has made clear that political transformation is no longer optional.

Political parties must treat this awakening not as temporary unrest but as a call for long-term reform. Embracing Gen Z’s demand for value-based politics and good governance can strengthen democracy and help restore public trust.

The Falgun 21 election is more than just another vote. It is a key moment for Nepalis to strengthen democracy and insist on accountable leadership. In any democracy, real power rests with the people, which makes voter awareness, transparent election management, and responsible behaviour from parties, candidates, and institutions essential. But rising, unregulated election spending remains a serious concern, as it can encourage corruption and weaken the very foundations of good governance.

Political parties have begun the race early, unveiling their prospective prime‑ministerial candidates ahead of the upcoming elections. The Nepali Congress has put forward Gagan Thapa, the UML has endorsed KP Sharma Oli, and the Rastriya Swatantra Party has named Balen Shah. While the practice itself is not new, it has once again energized the national political landscape.

In this election, voters are expected to rise above fear, undue influence, and propaganda, and to make informed choices by carefully evaluating candidates’ integrity, track records, public commitments, and ethical standards. While citizens hold the power to replace representatives who fail to serve the public interest, voting driven by money, short-term incentives, or emotional slogans risks deepening public frustration and eroding trust in democratic institutions.

Nepal’s ranking at 107th place in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index sends a troubling signal about the state of governance, with direct implications for foreign investment, tourism, international cooperation, and overall economic credibility. Overcoming this negative image requires not only strong political will but also transparent leadership and effective implementation of laws.

Although Nepal ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2011, significant gaps remain in its practical enforcement. Ultimately, the responsibility to drive change lies with voters. By supporting clean, capable, and accountable candidates, strengthening civic and media scrutiny, and encouraging active youth participation—especially in line with Gen Z’s call for integrity and good governance—this election can help lay the foundation for a more transparent, trustworthy, and corruption-free Nepal.

The upcoming election presents a historic opportunity to reform Nepal’s political culture, but realizing this potential is one of the nation’s greatest challenges. Democracy is not strengthened by constitutions or elections alone; its true strength depends on ethical conduct, accountability, and responsible political behaviour.

Political parties—the pillars of democracy—must rise above internal divisions and offer clear, principled, and forward-looking leadership. When parties fail, the consequences extend beyond politics, affecting national identity, democratic credibility, and the country’s future.

Seen this way, the upcoming election is not just a race for power. It is a rare chance to reinforce democratic values and move the country toward a more accountable, transparent, and people‑centred political culture.

The Falgun 21 House of Representatives election is a defining moment for Nepal—an opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote good governance, and push the country’s development agenda forward. With Gen Z demanding integrity and citizens calling for cleaner politics, turning this election into a true celebration of democratic values has become a shared responsibility.

At its heart, the election asks a clear question: will we continue with power‑centred, self‑serving politics, or choose principled, people‑focused leadership? Parties must show their commitment through responsible candidate selection, and voters through informed, ethical choices. If both rise to the moment, this election can become a genuine turning point—bringing honest representatives to Parliament and advancing fair, transparent, and accountable politics for Nepal’s future.

Author, Baral, writes on education, climate and the environment, information technology, and contemporary issues.