It was expected that after the Gen-G uprising, a new generation would enter politics and an inclusive party structure would be built. However, a look at the parties registered with the commission and their leadership reveals a different picture.
There are 143 parties registered with the Election Commission. The interim government formed after the Gen-G movement has announced elections for February 21.
Out of the registered parties, 114 parties are participating in the elections. Who are the leaders of the 143 parties registered with the Commission? Does examining the background of the leadership of the registered parties reveal the face of an inclusive Nepali society?
After the Gen-G uprising, it was expected that a new generation would come to politics and that party structures would be built in an inclusive manner. However, a look at the parties registered with the Commission and their leadership reveals a different picture.
The leadership of the parties registered with the Commission is disappointing in terms of gender and ethnic inclusion. According to the data released by the Commission, out of the 143 registered parties, 137 parties are led by men, while only 9 parties are led by women. While the female population in Nepal is about 51 percent.
The dominance of a certain caste-community is also seen in the leadership of the parties. Looking at the ethnic background of the chairmen of the registered parties, the influence of the Khas-Aryas is clear. Out of the registered parties, 68 parties are led by people from the Khas-Arya community. Similarly, 38 parties are led by indigenous people, 18 by Madhesis (non-Aryans), 8 by Dalits, and 3 by Muslim community members. According to the data, the ethnic identity of the leadership of 8 parties is not clear.
