Gen Z in particular needs to understand that the kind of dissatisfaction that was expressed by taking to the streets can be institutionalized through elections. And, such a task can only be easily done by people's representatives who carry the spirit of Gen Z. Therefore, Gen Z needs to brainstorm two options.
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Movements and elections are the prevailing ways of expressing the aspirations of the people. The aspirations of the people expressed during the movement may not be institutionalized immediately. They should be institutionalized along with elections, a people-elected government, and restructuring of the state organs. During the Gen-G movement of Bhadau, aspirations for reforms in the political, economic, and social sectors have been expressed.
To institutionalize it, the election for the House of Representatives is being held on 21 Falgun. This election, which is being held in special circumstances, should lead the country towards a greater potential. That potential becomes stronger when all conscious people in society participate in the election. All people who show a new direction to society as candidates or choose qualified representatives as voters can be part of the election in different ways. Therefore, anyone who wants the country to take a qualitative leap should become an active member of the upcoming election.
After the Gen-G movement, the government was formed under the leadership of Sushila Karki, and President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives on her recommendation. The process of registering names in the voter list for the new election to be held on 21 Falgun is currently underway. Usually, the voter list is not compiled after the election date is announced. However, since the Gen-G who led the turmoil were deprived of voting, the government amended the law through an ordinance and provided additional time for the missed people.
The Election Commission had published a notice on 9 Asoj and stated that the compilation of voter list had begun. As of 2 Kartik, the day before the start of the Tihar holiday, 70,415 people have been added to the voter list. The commission has given time until 30 Kartik to register their names in the voter list. For the elections being held under special circumstances, all those who have reached the age of majority should take the initiative to make good use of the opportunity to become a voter provided by the special arrangement.
The opportunity to become a voter is available only after one's name is registered in the voter list. This is not a common issue. It is a constitutional right. It is a democratic right. Many people in the world are not able to exercise such a right. They are not able to choose the people's representative of their choice by using their franchise. They are not able to become part of the political system. In Nepal, voters
have been expressing political messages through their franchise. However, due to some limitations of elections, such messages may not be completely and immediately successful. However, if the conscience of the citizens can determine the fate and future of the country, then elections are a unique, peaceful and very less controversial path. It is an opportunity to connect to the global flow of democracy. Therefore, for every citizen, elections are not only a question of their voting rights, but also a matter related to the responsibility of protecting and advocating for democracy and citizen-friendly governance.
The vote of the citizen can be expressed correctly in elections only when the participation of sensible people is ensured. Such participation is possible when they themselves become voters. The Gen-G rebellion has expressed dissatisfaction with the daily life of the state that is being run in the traditional way. It has expressed dissatisfaction with the structure of the political parties that have taken the responsibility of running the state. It has also expressed dissatisfaction with the working style and image of the established institutions of the state.
It has advocated for a comprehensive restructuring in all parts of the state. That is, the country has been given a new agenda. However, the election must be awaited to institutionalize the agenda of the Gen-G movement. That is why everyone's eyes are focused on the election right now. Therefore, if we want the election results to capture the rhythm of the Gen-G movement, everyone involved in the movement and those who have a positive opinion about it should become a part of it.
Especially Gen-G needs to understand that the kind of dissatisfaction that was expressed by taking to the streets can be institutionalized through elections. And, such a task can only be easily done by people's representatives who carry the spirit of Gen-G. Therefore, Gen-G needs to brainstorm two options.
First, a person who is qualified according to the constitution and law can become a candidate for the election himself. One can become a candidate individually or as a party member. If one becomes a people's representative after being approved by the people, one can make the laws one wants through the established methods and processes. Once the numbers are sufficient, the political system itself can be changed. The laws can also be made as one wants. Second, even if one does not become a candidate, one can elect a people's representative who can represent the feelings of oneself and one's group as a responsible and prudent voter.
And, through that, one can implement one's agenda. One can institutionalize the aspirations for change. Therefore, if we can register our names on the voter list, take the initiative to register all those who are eligible, debate our agenda, and identify the parties and candidates who support it, the February 21 election can be avoided from becoming a ritual.
