It is unfortunate that we have to seek support from foreign countries to organize a regular celebration of democracy. This does not enhance the country's prestige and self-respect. Therefore, we should make the most of our own budget and not insist on asking for support.
What you should know
Elections are a regular undertaking in countries that embrace a democratic system, but sometimes elections have to be held at unexpected times. Nepal is currently in the phase of unexpected elections. After the Gen-G movement of 23 and 24 Bhadra changed the political situation, the date has been set for 21 Falgun, two years ahead of the regular date.
The political environment for the elections is gradually becoming favorable. Multilateral dialogues are underway. The work schedule set by the commission has not been disrupted. However, doubts about the security system remain. Because, the security psychology that was shattered during the Gen-G movement has not yet subsided.
In the event of an election, it is imperative to increase the morale of security personnel and make effective strategies to identify and eliminate potential sources of insecurity. Only if an adequate budget for security can be managed and a robust security strategy can be formulated will citizens be able to vote in a fearless environment in the elections.
About 27 billion rupees are to be spent on the management and security of the upcoming House of Representatives member election. Out of this, the Ministry of Finance has already ensured a resource of 6.73 billion rupees for the commission. The Ministries of Home and Defense have proposed to the Ministry of Finance to manage a resource of about 20.5 billion rupees for election security.
It has been proposed to allocate Rs 4.2 billion for the Nepal Police, Rs 3.44 billion for the Nepal Army, Rs 3.33 billion for the Armed Police Force, Rs 31.46 billion for all 77 District Administration Offices, Rs 31.14 billion for the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Rs 69 million for the National Investigation Department.
When examining the budget allocation proposal, it is seen that the size of the expenditure incurred by other bodies for security management is larger than the expenditure incurred by the Election Commission for election management. Overall, the amount of Rs 27 billion is huge.
The situation of low development budget and even that not being spent has been going on for a long time. Additional budget is also needed for the reconstruction of the damage caused by arson and vandalism during the Gen-G movement. In such a situation, the amount of Rs 27 billion is not small. But no matter how much is spent, elections cannot be postponed in a democracy. The Ministry of Finance, which ensures resources, and various mobilizing bodies should exercise discretion to spend frugally.
In the Gen-G movement, the police have been killed, beaten, chased half-naked, weapons have been seized, offices and vehicles have been burned. Therefore, it is analyzed that the morale of the security personnel has been weakened at this time. The weapons looted at that time have not been returned in full. All the escaped prisoners have not been returned either.
It is doubtful whether the elections to be held in this backdrop will be held in a fearless environment or not. There is no alternative to elections. But such elections must be held in a fearless environment. Of course, it has been decided to deploy 79,727 personnel from the army, 71,620 personnel from the police, 35,116 personnel from the Armed Police Force, and 1,900 personnel from the Investigation Department for election security.
Similarly, it has also been decided to recruit 147,000 election police (formerly temporary police). But effective mobilization of security personnel and adoption of a smart security strategy will be possible only when they receive the necessary budget and resources. For that, the government must convince and manage it.
Nepal has been seeking assistance from various countries for the elections. This time too, the government has requested India to provide non-lethal security equipment and vehicles. The Ministry of Finance has requested India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide vehicles required for the Election Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies, as well as security equipment used for crowd control. Under this, more than 1,900 four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles have been requested.
Similarly, under non-lethal security equipment, tear gas, gas guns, water cannons, helmets, shields and other materials have been requested. Countries including China, Britain, America, and Germany have also pledged their support for the elections.
It is unfortunate that we have to seek support from foreign countries to organize a regular celebration of democracy. This does not enhance the country's prestige and self-respect. Therefore, we should utilize our own budget as much as possible and should not insist on asking for assistance.
