This election, which was built on the foundation of the Gen-G movement of 23 and 24 Bhadra, has also shattered the illusions that a large amount of money needs to be spent to win an election, that fraternal organizations need to be built at various levels and bodies of the state, and that an election can only be won by staying in power. 

The new mandate is aimed at combating misgovernance, corruption, and the prevalence of cronyism in the state machinery. The people, who voted without question in previous elections, not only raised questions about the working style of political parties this time, but also answered them through their votes. This is the first time that a single political party has won such a large majority in Nepal since the two-thirds majority won by the Nepali Congress in the 2015 general election. In this election, public opinion has also expressed itself against the frequent changes of government and the style of adopting any tactic to come to power. Having said this, there are many challenges ahead of the new government. 

The global uncertainty created by geopolitical conflicts is the biggest challenge today. The public opinion expressed through the elections has expressed the aspirations of the general public. Employment, fast and effective service delivery, transparency in governance, equal access to opportunities, balanced development of all regions and areas of the country, and poverty reduction are concerns that have been lingering for decades. At such a time, the immediate policy taken by the government should focus on the following issues:

Diplomatic balance 

Today's world order is in the most difficult situation since World War II. The world order, which was bipolar until the Cold War, was dominated by the United States for a few decades, but today it has become multipolar. The policies of powerful nations have become unpredictable. The nuclear race has created difficulties for countries that are highly dependent on essential goods and services.

Despite uncertainty, China's dominance in the global economy is increasing. China's economy has reached the level of the European Union's economy. Everyone is amazed by China's progress in the field of technology. Nepal, an emerging neighbor that is close to Nepal not only geographically but also from a cultural, social and commercial perspective, is making rapid economic and strategic progress in the world order. The Cold War superpower Russia's war with Ukraine has been interpreted as a reawakening of its Cold War aspirations. 

In such a situation, the first priority of the next government should be to transform relations and interdependence with its neighbors into economic prosperity and maintain diplomatic balance in the international arena. Only through balanced and effective diplomacy will it be easy to achieve high economic growth and advance development work. In such a situation, the new government should work towards strengthening relations with all powerful countries, including its neighbors, in a way that promotes Nepal's economic interests and keeps its sovereignty intact. 

Development of a decentralized economy 

Citizens who left Kathmandu to vote in the recent elections have returned to Kathmandu after casting their votes. Since Kathmandu is the only center of economic development, citizens are forced to stay in Kathmandu. Proper implementation of federalism and balanced economic development are possible only if the situation of coming to Kathmandu to find work and having to go to the districts to vote can be improved. The latest data from Nepal Rastra Bank shows that 59.5 percent of total loans and 65.8 percent of total deposits are concentrated in Bagmati Province. This also indicates that economic activity is centralized in Kathmandu. 

What kind of market centers can be built outside Kathmandu? How can employment be created at the local level by decentralizing the economy? How can cities outside Kathmandu also be developed as hubs of modern technology, not only local labor and skills? Work on such issues should be started immediately. The manpower to export services by working in the field of information technology is our great potential today. 

If the necessary environment and motivation can be provided for those dedicated to this field to work in cities like Dhangadhi, Bhairahawa, and Biratnagar outside Kathmandu, the dependence on Kathmandu will be reduced. It is equally necessary to give work outside Kathmandu to Kathmandu-centered manpower and move forward the implementation of national pride projects at a faster pace. In addition, to revive the local economy, it is necessary to make mandatory arrangements to use local materials, labor, skills, and technology for the construction and reconstruction of all religious monuments, monasteries, etc. at the local level. Using local materials, technology, and manpower in the reconstruction, conservation, and restoration of our archaeological and historical heritage will help reduce imports and make the domestic economy dynamic.

Enhancing the morale of the private sector 

Nepal's private sector has not been enthusiastic about investing in the productive sector for the past few years. As a result, the share of the industrial sector in the gross domestic product has been decreasing. The excessive increase in land prices, administrative hassles, market uncertainty, and political transition have shaken the confidence of the private sector to invest in the productive sector. However, the recent elections have made everyone optimistic, both the general public and businessmen. Therefore, there is a need for industrial revival through the active participation of the private sector, as in the 1990s.

At a time when the global economy is going through uncertainty, a conducive environment should be created for the private sector to increase additional investment in strategically important production industries such as textiles and food, hydropower and wind and solar energy development, and infrastructure construction. We should also take forward the great potential of solar energy and wind energy development. The risk of hydropower production being affected due to excessive rainfall, drought, and other effects of climate change is increasing all over the world. Countries such as China, Canada, and Brazil are also investing in solar energy and wind energy to reduce the negative effects of climate change. 

Making the registration and exit of commercial firms digital, eliminating administrative hassles related to tax payments, providing project loans with local guarantees for small and medium-sized firms and startups, and guaranteeing that farmers' food products will be purchased by organizations such as the army, police, and government-established food and trading companies are likely to encourage the private sector. The private sector, which is a major contributor to the economy, is at various levels and stages. From small private commercial firms operating without registration to medium-sized industries and large companies, if everyone can move forward by increasing their morale, there will be positive results in areas such as economic expansion, job creation and revenue mobilization. 

Good governance and service delivery 

The use of digital media should be increased to make the service delivery of our government offices effective. For example, the general public is trying to get rid of the current situation of having to spend all day to transfer a vehicle and even have to ask for help from people outside the system. The general public is seeking a change in the system of having to visit government offices to get tax clearance certificates, pay real estate taxes, and pay house maintenance taxes. The meter of the drinking water tap is broken. The concerned meter reader asks to bring the meter to the office. Instead, the service delivery citizens expect is that the technician of the organization involved in the sale and distribution of drinking water will come and repair the meter. There is also an equal need and scope for improvement in the public transport sector. 

The series of bus stops at various places more than necessary and traffic jams lasting for hours have affected both people's time and efficiency. The general public has sought improvements in the delivery of similar public services. Improving the delivery of services that may seem trivial at first glance, but with minimal investment, will have an impact on the productivity of the entire economy is the primary task of the government today.

Production and supply management of essential goods 

The blockade that the country faced in 2045/46 BS may be an old issue. Even after that, the earthquake of 2072 BS and border obstacles have suggested to us that we must reduce our dependence on essential goods to keep the sovereignty of the nation intact. Our current level of dependence on food, clothing, public transport and stoves in every home can put the country in an uncomfortable situation at any time. In the last fiscal year alone, Nepal imported petroleum products worth 288 billion. This item accounts for 16 percent of imports. Similarly, Nepal imported around 40 billion rupees of rice and 14 billion rupees of vegetables in the last fiscal year. 

The reality is that in adverse global circumstances, if we fail to strengthen the supply system by producing and storing such goods at a safe level, we will face resistance from the general public at any time. The current war between Iran and the US has reaffirmed the need for a reliable supply system. Sustainable management can be achieved if the federal government coordinates with the local and provincial governments to reduce our dependence on essential goods and strengthen the supply system. 

Access to education and health 

Health care and education in Nepal are highly classified and expensive. The government should immediately start working on how to make school education more accessible and convenient nationwide. In some countries, school zones are divided so that students can study in their own place and pay fees if they travel far away. This type of arrangement is considered good for reducing transportation costs and reducing traffic congestion. Although it is not necessary outside Kathmandu, if such an arrangement can be made in the urban areas of the valley, there will definitely be competition among local levels to increase the quality of education.