Major political parties gear up for local elections

KATHMANDU:-Even before the date for the upcoming local-level elections has been set, various political parties have begun their preliminary preparations. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has invited applications for candidacy through its ‘Candidate Club,’ which is focused on the local-level elections. The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has established an ‘Election Bureau,’ while the CPN (UML)—a communist party—has initiated campaigns and organized gatherings centered on the local-level elections. 

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) spokesperson Jagadish Kharel informed that the receipt of applications for various positions is ongoing, and the party is proceeding with the selection process according to the established procedure.

Spokesperson Kharel stated, “A significant number of applications have been received for the positions of Rural Municipality Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Ward Chairperson, while the number of applications for Ward Member positions is low. Applications are also being received from those wishing to run for various positions in the Municipality. The process for selecting candidates is moving forward in accordance with the methods and procedures established by the party.”

Ajay Babu Shivakoti, Joint General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, stated that the party’s Election Bureau—led by Vice President Pushpa Bhusal—is currently developing criteria for the selection of election candidates.

He remarked, “The practice of selecting candidates arbitrarily—as if pulling them out of one’s pocket—is coming to an end within the Congress. Priority will be given to individuals chosen by active party members, starting from the ward level upwards. There will no longer be a need to go knocking on the doors of senior party leaders to secure a ticket.”

Neeraj Acharya, Chief of the Publicity Department of the CPN (UML), informed that the party has been conducting the ‘Mission Party Awakening Campaign’ since last Asar. He stated, “In preparation for the local elections, we are deploying central representatives to the local levels to hold party meetings and gatherings, as well as to renew party memberships. We are also organizing a national gathering on Mangsir 2 and 3, ward conventions on Mangsir 28, and municipal conventions on Poush 4.”

The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has launched a ‘National Awakening Campaign’ running from Kartik 7 to Mangsir 25. NCP spokesperson Prakash Jwala stated that the campaign was initiated with the objectives of strengthening the party organization—in preparation for the local-level elections—and deepening ties with the public.

He stated, “Under the ‘National Awakening Campaign,’ central-level leaders are visiting the local government (palika) level. Assessments are also being conducted to evaluate the state of the organization at the local level and to identify which party members are popular among the public and favored by fellow party members as potential candidates.” Similarly, political parties are also carrying out various activities focused on the local government level.