Kathmandu: Members of the National Assembly (NA) have urged the government to ensure that voting in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections on March 5 is conducted in a free and impartial environment.
Speaking during the zero hour of today’s upper house session, Sharada Devi Bhatta drew the government’s attention to the need to guarantee an atmosphere where voting can be carried out fairly and patiently, with less than three weeks remaining until the polls.
Ganga Kumari Belbase, Gopal Bhattarai, and Sumitra BC were among the lawmakers who raised contemporary issues.
Belbase called for the exploration and commercial production of a petroleum source identified in Dailekh. Bhattarai expressed concern over the removal of contract-based employees from the Social Welfare Council. BC voiced concern about the increasing incidents of murder in different parts of the country and demanded action against those responsible, along with justice for the victims.
During the special hour of NA session, lawmakers raised issues ranging from food security and cultural heritage conservation to the exploration of hydropower, herbs, and petroleum potential in Karnali. They also echoed the need to conduct the HoR elections in a peaceful, impartial, and successful manner, viewing them as an opportunity to strengthen democratic norms and values.
Urmila Aryal stated that although Madhesh Province is rich in religious and cultural heritage, these heritages have recently been under threat. She called for a concrete state policy and action plan to preserve them.
She further added that unemployment, poverty, and gender inequality remain serious challenges in Madhesh Province. She stressed the need for special initiatives to uplift socially backward communities, with a focus on women’s education, literacy, economic empowerment, and equitable access to opportunities. She also called for bringing Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized communities into the state’s mainstream.
Durga Kumari Gurung also urged for the successful completion of the HoR elections. She stated that the country witnessed a shift in the political climate following the Gen Z movement of September 8–9. The movement, which called for corruption control and good governance, has led to an increased political awareness among youths.
She also complained that women’s candidacy was neglected under the first-past-the-post system in the HoR elections.
Sumitra BC said that despite abundant potential, locals have been deprived of benefiting from herb production and trade.
Gopi Bahadur Achhamai said the upcoming elections will be significant for implementing the federal structure, effectively practicing the Constitution, and institutionalizing the achievements of past movements.
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