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, fair, 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 take place calmly and fairly, 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 during the session.
Belbase called for the exploration and commercial production of a petroleum reserve identified in Dailekh. Bhattarai expressed concern over the removal of contract-based employees from the Social Welfare Council. BC voiced concern over the rising incidents of murder in various parts of the country and demanded action against those responsible, along with justice for the victims.
During the special hour of the NA session, lawmakers raised issues ranging from food security and cultural heritage conservation to the exploration of hydropower, medicinal herbs, and petroleum potential in Karnali. They also reiterated the need to conduct the HoR elections in a peaceful, impartial, and successful manner, describing them as an opportunity to strengthen democratic norms and values.
Urmila Aryal said that although Madhesh Province is rich in religious and cultural heritage, these sites have recently come under threat. She called for a concrete state policy and action plan for their preservation.
She further noted that unemployment, poverty, and gender inequality remain serious challenges in Madhesh Province. She stressed the need for special initiatives to uplift socially disadvantaged 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 groups into the mainstream.
Durga Kumari Gurung also emphasized the importance of successfully conducting the HoR elections. She stated that the country has 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 increased political awareness among youths.
She also complained that women’s candidacy had been overlooked under the first-past-the-post system in HoR elections. Sumitra BC said that despite abundant potential, locals have been deprived of benefiting from the production and trade of medicinal herbs.
Gopi Bahadur Achhamai said the upcoming elections would be significant for implementing the federal structure, effectively practicing the Constitution, and institutionalizing the achievements of past movements.
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