As the excitement for the election approaches, so too do the doubts about whether voting will be conducted in a fearless environment in many constituencies. With only 10 days left for the election, there is intense sarcasm on the ‘virtual’ platforms of social media between the parties.

In some places, there are physical countermeasures. Only the votes cast by voters using their conscience in a fearless environment can carry the weight of the election and make democracy vibrant. To create such an environment, the government, security agencies, all political parties, candidates, activists and supporters must be aware.

No one should make the mistake of disrupting the election or getting involved in security complications due to the excitement created by the feeling of victory or the fear of defeat. Doing so is not an introduction to political culture. It is also a lack of trust in the conscience of the people.

In elections, parties and candidates go to the people with their agenda. They campaign in favor of their agenda. They win the hearts of the people and convert them into votes. If the people do not like their party's agenda, they will reconsider. They will make the party's image and organizational base more people-oriented. They will work hard to win the trust of as many people as possible in the upcoming elections.

This kind of nature will make the election clean and transparent. But as the election on 21 Falgun approaches, flag burning has also started. After the UML flag was burned in Dang on 8 Falgun, there is a dispute between the UML and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This is a matter of concern. The leaders' statements from the platforms are also focused on 'demonizing' the leaders of the other party. However, it is their duty to keep their agenda in a gentle manner. However, the top leaders themselves seem to be suffering from the mentality that they cannot move up without bringing down the leaders of the rival party. Due to which the 'election noise' is increasing.

The Gen-G movement of 23 and 24 Bhadra has created a new political situation. The side that considers it a rebellion and achievement and the side that points to it as a sabotage and criminal incident have entered the election. It feels as if the main agenda of the election is focused on the understanding of the Gen-G movement. The activities that have occurred under the cover of the election and the potential risks are seen around this understanding. Therefore, there is a possibility of increasing provocative and inflammatory statements from candidates and workers.

which can affect the election environment itself. Therefore, to make the election safe, orderly, free from fraud and acceptable to all, all parties including the government, the Election Commission, political parties should play an equally restrained role. The security mechanism should promptly take control of provocative activities and arrange for appropriate peace and security. Doing this is not only from a security perspective, but also to increase the credibility of the election.

The security challenge is not only before the election, but also on the day of the election. In the last election, incidents of unsafe and disruptive voting were reported in Dolakha, Bajhang and Bajura. An incident of votes being cast in the name of a deceased person was made public in Syangja. However, it was seen that the Election Commission was unable to be ruthless against those who disrupted the voting and cast fake votes, and the human resources deployed for election security did not take their responsibility seriously.

The parties concerned must think carefully so that such incidents do not repeat in the upcoming elections. The permanent mechanisms of the state have become extremely partisan. The security mechanisms must rise above that and ensure reliable performance. Not only that, everyone should be aware of the risks of disturbing social harmony, inciting religious riots, trying to disrupt the election itself in various ways, and taking undue advantage of it by certain parties. The security mechanisms deployed in the election must ensure an environment where voters can reach the polling station and return after voting fearlessly.

If activities that violate the election code of conduct that occur somewhere are not punished, and if no one is taken action, similar activities are encouraged elsewhere. That transforms the election itself into an apolitical and undemocratic event. Therefore, the Election Commission, security agencies, and political parties should all make efforts to facilitate the election environment.

The Commission should take the initiative to fully implement the code of conduct. The security agencies should analyze security and decide on a strategy. The main role belongs to the political parties. First of all, they should respect the code of conduct that they have committed to follow. Activities that go against it should not be carried out. They are responsible for making the election a political celebration. They are also responsible for making it agenda-centric.