The recently concluded local by-elections have shown that traditional parties continue to dominate the political landscape. The Congress, Maoist and UML regained prominence but failed to garner significant public support. Despite voters' signs of change, the new forces' inability to leave the desired impact has added to the frustration. In particular, issues including the cooperative dispute limited the potential success of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA).

The resurgence of Maoists has brought a new twist to the political equation. The party has gained both internal confidence and external support by re-raising corruption cases involving Lalita Niwas by former Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha. This incident has challenged the commentary on Maoists as a 'declining power'. However, this success does not guarantee the long-term stability of the party. The victory of RSVP in 16 wards of Kathmandu has indicated that the political landscape is about to change in urban areas. 

Dissatisfaction with traditional parties and attraction to new alternatives is evident. However, the RSVP's lack of grip in rural areas and cooperative disputes have dampened the party's prospects. In rural areas, the influence of traditional parties remains due to poverty, unemployment and limited political awareness. Voters tend to vote based on old networks and access. Unless the new power expands to the village level, the possibility of bringing about change in the rural areas seems low.

Overall, the by-elections highlighted the lack of alternatives and challenges to political stability in Nepal. While traditional parties seem to have to restructure their organizations, new forces need to understand the need for a solid strategy and strong leadership. If the changing aspirations of the people are not addressed, political instability is likely to continue.

- Santosh Simkhada, Tokyo, Japan

As the results of the local by-elections were being announced, Maoist President Pushpa Kamal Dahal got excited and began to dream that the people would return the Maoists in 2064. Out of 753 municipalities, in the elections for the heads of three municipalities, 

Maoist managed to get only one constituency in his part, while in the election for 5 vice-president/deputy chief positions, Maoist managed to get 3 constituency in his polta. Maoist could get majority in the deputy posts. Similarly, in the elections held for a total of 34 ward presidents, the Maoists were able to dominate 8 wards.

What Maoist Housinu understands by looking at the results of the election is that they have fallen badly in politics and it will be very difficult to survive in politics in the days to come. Maoists had already opened their party's account in the by-elections since the candidate for the post of Maoist ward president was elected unopposed in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality-2 of Rukum East without contesting the election. The initial signs made him look good and the results showed the same. 

Maoists, who always go to elections on the crutches of others, may be excited thinking that they have got their real votes because they participated alone this time. The Maoists have found a way to ask for votes in the next election by showing the results of the recently concluded by-elections, but it will be like a water bubble if the first party is confirmed in the next election.