High Enthusiasm, Higher Responsibility

The enthusiastic filing of candidacies for the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5 reflects broad political participation and renewed engagement in the democratic process. This momentum, however, must be accompanied by an uncompromising commitment from the state to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election. Prime Minister Sushila Karki bears the responsibility of preventing the misuse of state machinery in favour of or against any party or candidate, while the Election Commission (EC) must uphold strict neutrality and enforce the election code of conduct without exception. Across most parts of the country, the nomination process concluded peacefully on Tuesday. Incumbent ministers resigned from their posts and entered the electoral race and the participation of young candidates is likely to be the highest in history. These developments add energy and legitimacy to the electoral process. It is also encouraging that political actors who were once sceptical of past movements, as well as those who challenged the dissolution of the HoR in court, have joined the electoral process. Their participation underscores continued faith in democratic mechanisms. At the same time, certain trends raise concerns. Locally elected representatives seeking HoR candidacies despite having time remaining in their tenure and provincial lawmakers resigning merely to contest federal seats, reflect unchecked political ambition that risks contributing to instability. More worrying, however, are incidents of violence during the nomination phase itself—an early warning sign that cannot be ignored.

While most districts saw calm candidate registration, clashes between cadres of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the CPN-UML in Jhapa-5 exposed serious shortcomings in discipline and enforcement. The constituency, where former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and Balendra Shah (Balen)—who resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City to contest the election—are competing, witnessed rallies and processions in direct violation of Election Commission directives. The EC had explicitly prohibited rallies, bands and musical processions during candidature filing, provisions clearly stated in the election code of conduct. The fact that these rules were breached on the very day of nomination, leading to clashes, raises questions about preparedness and deterrence. The EC’s response to such violations, particularly when they involve high-profile candidates, will set the tone for the entire campaign. Selective enforcement or leniency would only embolden further misconduct and normalise intimidation. The government formed after the movement in the name of Gen Z carries a clear mandate: to conduct a free, fair and peaceful election on March 5. Yet growing perceptions that the government is leaning towards a particular party risk undermining public trust and muddying the electoral environment. Even the perception of bias can be damaging in a highly competitive election.

While it may not be unusual for ministers who stepped down shortly before filing nominations to display loyalty to their parties, any attempt to use state resources, security agencies or administrative influence to benefit specific candidates would be unacceptable. From this point onward, the Prime Minister must take all necessary measures to ensure that the state apparatus remains neutral and that security agencies act decisively to prevent violence. The EC, for its part, must demonstrate zero tolerance towards breaches of the code of conduct. Clear, timely and visible action against violators—regardless of political stature—is essential to maintaining credibility. Failure to enforce the rules firmly will not only invite further unrest but also cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the election itself. A violence-free poll is not merely a procedural obligation; it is the foundation of democratic credibility. Ensuring it is a shared responsibility, but one that ultimately rests most heavily on those entrusted with power, authority and the duty to safeguard the democratic process.