CPN (Maoist) General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand is running for the House of Representatives for the first time. After ten years of armed war, a peace process, two years of underground life, and 18 years of peaceful political journey, he is preparing to enter the electoral fray for the first time.

In this context, General Secretary of the CPN (Maoist) Chand spoke to Ganga BC for Kantipur:

You are entering the party elections for the first time, what kind of preparations are being made?

We have already finalized the proportional candidates. Now preparations are also being made to select direct candidates. The list of candidates from all districts and all areas is being compiled by December 25. Discussions are being held to form an alliance with various communist parties and political forces to go to the elections politically.

Which party is being talked about forming an alliance with?

Our proposal is that it would be better to form a front among communist parties as much as possible. Similarly, we suggest that it would be better to form a front among other main parties. Similarly, discussions are also being held with democratic forces and patriots about forming a front.

There have been a few discussions with the leaders of the Nepali Communist Party. Our very preliminary discussions have been held. Our idea is that if all the communists are united, the problems that are emerging in the current politics will be solved.

What kind of political force do you think the CPN-Maoist will become after the elections?

The Nepali people have looked at us with interest. The people have liked our agricultural revolution and other issues. We will emerge as a visible left force from the elections.

There is also interest in your candidacy. From which district are you contesting the elections?

Nothing like that has been 'fixed'. Friends are suggesting. There has been a suggestion that you should become a candidate from Rolpa and Kapilvastu-3. There is a suggestion that you should also contest from Dang. We are discussing.

You are contesting the elections after joining the peace process in 2063. What has your experience been like?

I myself have not been a candidate before. The party was in the elections. This time, after the party has formally decided to go for the elections, friends have suggested that the elections should be led by the general secretary. So, naturally, it is bound to be a different experience. There are many suggestions from the people. I think this election will be good.

What criteria have you adopted to select direct and proportional candidates?

We have completed the candidate selection process within the criteria. There is a legal system to select candidates from different communities, regions, and genders. We have completed all of that. The emphasis is on selecting candidates in the same way in direct elections.

What will be your election issue?

We have especially emphasized the political instability that is the main problem of the country. We must put forward the necessary political course of action for political stability.

We have emphasized for a self-reliant economy. Our proposal is that the Nepal state should be restructured in a way that all classes, castes, and communities consider it their own. In the economic sector, there is an election issue that the country should enter into extensive industrialization, including an agricultural revolution, to make it self-reliant.

Even now, you are running the Mechi-Mahakali campaign, what kind of campaign is that?