How Are Independent Candidates Posing a Threat to Political Parties in Nepal?

George Washington remains the only independent U.S. president, elected without the backing of a political party

The recent electoral victories of independent candidates Balen Shah, Harka Sampang, and Gopi Hamal, who assumed mayoral positions in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Dharan, and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, respectively, signal a shift in Nepal's political landscape. These leaders, not associated with the traditional political parties, are gaining immense popularity among the public, especially as voters grow weary of the existing political parties. The rise of these independent figures reflects a deeper desire for new leadership styles and visions, away from traditional politics. The public in Nepal has placed great hopes on these independent leaders, with Balen Shah, in particular, emerging as not only a local leader in Kathmandu but as a national figure. His work has garnered attention both inside and outside Nepal, with many recognizing him for his integrity and commitment to public service.

Despite the fact that the majority of local governments are still led by candidates from political parties, these independents have managed to capture the public's imagination and overshadow many of their counterparts. Their performance stands as a stark contrast to the often bureaucratic and slow-moving approaches of party-affiliated mayors, and their popularity is putting pressure on the larger political system. Even federal and provincial governments, as well as certain political parties, are beginning to feel the heat, as public expectations grow in favor of these independent leaders. The success of these independents is slowly creating unease among traditional politicians, who still tend to dismiss them as mere "bubbles in water," reluctant to acknowledge the seismic shifts happening in Nepal’s political landscape.

An independent politician, by definition, is not associated with any political party. They stand for election based on their personal appeal or an ideology distinct from established parties. In contrast, candidates from political parties benefit from nationwide networks and the organizational support that comes with them, giving them a significant advantage. While political parties hold responsibilities across the nation, independent candidates focus on more localized issues and concerns. An independent mayor or leader is solely accountable for their actions and decisions, while a party-affiliated leader is answerable both to their electorate and their party leadership.

Political scientists argue that strong political parties are essential for democratic governance. Countries with fewer than two viable political parties often risk slipping into autocratic rule. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Certain countries, particularly in the Gulf and in monarchies like Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, ban political parties altogether, and all candidates must run as independents. Similarly, political parties are banned in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. George Washington remains the only independent U.S. president, elected without the backing of a political party. Similarly, in Bulgaria, President Rumen Radev was elected as an independent in 2016 with support from the Bulgarian Socialist Party. In parliamentary systems, however, independent candidates rarely rise to leadership positions, as executive heads of government are generally chosen from elected party members.

In Nepal, the call for a directly elected executive head has gained traction as dissatisfaction with the current system grows. Many citizens feel that Nepal’s governance system has not delivered the desired results in terms of prosperity and stability. However, larger political parties, driven by populism, are unlikely to support this shift. Strong leadership at the federal level is essential for national progress, as demonstrated by figures like Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew. These leaders, during their time in power, transformed their nations from developing to developed countries, serving as role models for political leadership. For example, Lee Kuan Yew oversaw Singapore’s rise from an island nation with no natural resources to a first-world economy within a single generation. Mahathir’s Vision 2020 for Malaysia set ambitious goals for the country to achieve full development, focusing on breaking down ethnic barriers and promoting inclusive economic growth.

In Nepal, however, it may be too early to expect such leadership. Many political parties and their leaders lack clear vision and direction. Leadership in Nepalese politics has been marred by repetition, with the same faces dominating politics for decades. While this doesn’t mean that party candidates have not performed well, they must rise to the challenge set by their independent counterparts. People want to see tangible results, whether from independents or party candidates. Ultimately, success requires collaboration, support from the public, and effective management of officials. In many parts of the world, political parties have been critical to national development, and modern party structures are vital for driving change and transformation.

However, in Nepal, political parties and their leaders often struggle with negative public perceptions. Even when they secure electoral victories, many voters harbor doubts about their ability to bring meaningful change. Independent leaders, despite being in the minority, have quickly become symbols of what effective leadership could look like in Nepal. This reflects the fragility of Nepal’s political system, where even a few successful independents can exert significant pressure on the established political order.

While power remains centralized, there have been instances of strong leadership within political and non-political state organizations that have brought about positive change. The younger generation, both within political parties and as independents, is increasingly influencing the political landscape. The traditional dominance of older, established parties is being challenged as new parties and independent candidates gain ground. Even the current coalition government between the two largest parties can be seen as a reaction to the growing influence of independents and smaller parties.

The unexpected rise of Balen Shah and his transformative work in Kathmandu highlights the potential for change in Nepal’s political scene. His success, along with that of other independent mayors, has sparked discussions about the future role of independents in local and national politics. Some are even calling for local elections to be exclusively nonpartisan, with candidates running independently of political parties. This could open the door for more independent leaders to emerge in future elections.

Ultimately, Nepal’s political leaders, particularly those in the major parties, must learn from the success of independent candidates. They must adapt their strategies, support good governance, and work to regain the trust of the public. If they fail to do so, the rise of independents may continue to pose a growing threat to the traditional political system.