Due to the passage of time, lack of recent experience, and the political and social realities of different countries, it may be difficult to implement the right to vote for Nepalis living in all countries in the elections on 21 Falgun. However, this time, even if it is as a 'pilot project' in some countries, the right to vote can be given to expatriates. At least once the practice has begun, it can be refined.
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Despite the constitutional and democratic rights of citizens to participate in elections, Nepalis living abroad have been deprived. The trend of repeated discussions, all sides being heard as 'positive' but not implemented, has been repeating. Although the voice that they should be allowed to vote in the elections scheduled for 21 Falgun has become strong, confusion remains. Experts are saying that it is challenging but possible, so the government and the Election Commission should make a commitment to implement it despite the challenges.
For that, we must also prepare quickly. Because, this issue is both a citizen's right and a government's responsibility. This time, the election, which is being held in special circumstances, should be made more special through the votes of Nepali expatriates. In such a situation, citizen participation in the election will increase, and the scope of our democracy will be further expanded. Ultimately, it will be possible to represent the feelings of more and more citizens in our parliament. That will increase the sense of belonging to the people's representative institution.
It is the constitutional right of citizens to vote, whether they live in the country or abroad. Article 84(5) of the Constitution of Nepal states that 'Every Nepali citizen who has completed the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote in any constituency in accordance with the federal law.' The Supreme Court had also issued a directive order to the government and the Commission on 7 Chaitra 2074 to grant voting rights to adult Nepalis living abroad.
It had promised to create an environment for Nepali citizens living abroad to participate in voting by the next (2079) election, but it could not be implemented. After that, the Supreme Court had made an order on 1 July last. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal had said in a discussion held at the Election Commission in the first week of Asoj that his efforts were to make it possible for Nepalis living abroad to participate in voting. Thus, after the rights granted by the Constitution, the orders of the Supreme Court, and the efforts of the Home Minister have all advocated for giving Nepalis living abroad the opportunity to vote, there is no reason why it should not be implemented.
In practice, voting has become necessary for Nepalis living abroad. Because, in this era of globalization, it is not possible for people to stay in the same geography all the time. People are reaching different geographies of the world for various reasons such as profession, business, study, and training. Therefore, the issue of queuing up at the designated place and participating in the election held on a specific day is challenging. That is why the support of technology has become mandatory to ensure maximum participation in voting.
Such technology, which facilitates Nepalis living anywhere to participate in voting. The issue of voting by Nepalis living abroad is connected to this. Making them participate in voting through the use of appropriate technology or alternatives is not only an exercise of the right of the Constitution, but also a responsibility given by globalization. This context is also connected to the case of citizens scattered within the country. Because, Nepalis who have reached different geographical areas within the country for various professions, businesses or studies are also not able to participate in voting. Voters who are abroad or have reached different places within the country can be connected through the use of technology.
Different countries have adopted different practices regarding the implementation of the voting rights of citizens abroad. Participation can be ensured by adopting measures such as 'early voting', 'postal voting', 'proxy voting' or 'online voting'. However, all these methods are not without challenges.
It is difficult to compile voter lists and maintain their credibility. When starting the practice of voting through ballot papers, the issue of election security arises. The issue of cost is also involved. The issue of access of candidates to voters is also involved. Since there is no election practice in some countries, the chances of the government there helping Nepali elections are low.
It may also be impractical to bring in manpower from Nepal for election security. Online voting is also associated with credibility and acceptability. Because once the credibility of voting is questioned, its legitimacy is lost. Since it is a sensitive issue, serious preparation is inevitable. But the government and the Election Commission do not have the luxury of avoiding it. Because, a long time has passed since the decision was made.
The issue of voting rights for Nepalis living abroad is not entirely new to Nepal. As mentioned in the book 'Election History' published by the Election Commission, the provision that government employees, employees of government or organized organizations and their family members can vote was made 45 years ago. Now, there has been a lot of development in technology, and since various countries are practicing, there is also an opportunity to learn from them. Therefore, Nepal should also give the right to vote to Nepalis living abroad.
Due to the time constraints, lack of recent experience, and the political and social realities of various countries, it may be difficult to implement the right to vote for Nepalis living in all countries in the election on 21 Falgun. However, this time, even if it is as a 'pilot project' in some countries, the right to vote can be given to expatriates. At least after the practice has started, it can be refined.
