PB Pokhrel
The House of Representatives by-elections on March 5 are more than just another electoral exercise—they are a critical moment for Nepal’s democracy. After years of political instability, broken promises, and a widening gap between leaders and citizens, these elections carry real weight. They are not only about filling empty seats; they are about restoring the voices of people who have often felt unheard and overlooked.
Nepal’s political landscape today shows signs of democratic byacksliding. Institutional accountability has weakened, the rule of law is inconsistently applied, and a culture of impunity has taken hold among some political leaders. These problems have led to a deep crisis of legitimacy, where formal authority exists but public trust and moral authority are steadily eroding. In this context, the March 5 by-elections offer a chance to test whether Nepalese democracy can withstand these challenges and whether political actors can truly respond to the people’s mandate.
The contest highlights two contrasting approaches to leadership. On one side are leaders who emphasize clear ideology, democratic responsibility, and institutional integrity. On the other are those driven largely by reaction to public frustration with entrenched parties that have repeatedly failed to reform. In this sense, the election is a choice between principled governance and the politics of expediency, where short-term gains are often prioritized over the public interest.
Equally important is the evolving role of the voter. Nepali citizens are no longer passive spectators in a repetitive political drama. People are increasingly judging candidates by their past performance, transparency, and vision, rather than by party loyalty or persuasive slogans. This shift marks a meaningful change in political culture: citizens are reclaiming their power, challenging entrenched patronage, and demanding leaders who will take real responsibility.
From this perspective, the March 5 by-elections are more than a test of individual candidates—they are a test of Nepal’s democracy itself. Each vote carries not just memory of past disappointments, but the hope for a better future. Voters have the chance to ensure that Parliament is not simply a site of negotiation and short-term deals, but a space for principled, responsive, and accountable governance.
Ultimately, these elections remind us that democracy is not a given—it must be actively nurtured. They underscore the need for citizen engagement, ethical leadership, and institutional accountability. The choices made on March 5 will shape not only who represents the people, but how democracy functions in Nepal for years to come. This is an opportunity to reclaim trust, restore integrity, and redefine what representation truly means.
