DANG, Feb 23: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, who lost the last election in Dang-2 by a narrow margin of 193 votes due to an alliance between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the then CPN (Maoist Centre), is making strong efforts to secure victory this time. He believes that by retaining his previous votes and adding some new ones, he can win. His strategy centers on attracting “swing” voters, who often play a decisive role in elections. This group is also referred to as the silent voters.
In political terms, this group is described as “non-political” or unstable voters. As they tend to move with trends and public waves, their votes are labeled as swing votes. Since they are not firmly committed to any party or organization, candidates believe that securing their support can ensure an easy victory.
Deepak Giri of the NC, contesting from Dang-3, is also working to retain his previous support base while attempting to draw swing voters in his favor. With this voter segment appearing inclined toward new political forces, Giri is trying to prevent that shift and secure a second consecutive win.
Not only Pokharel and Giri, but other party and independent candidates are also focusing on swing voters. Dang has three constituencies, and swing votes are currently seen as leaning toward new parties. In this district, such votes could be decisive.
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“Swing voters are attracted to the crowd and prevailing trend,” says Dr Sudip Gautam, a political science professor at Mahendra Multiple Campus. “They are influenced neither by party agendas nor by candidate personalities. In the context of Dang, this vote has often proved decisive.”
Amid growing public perception that “old parties have failed to deliver,” candidates from established parties recognize the need to win over swing voters. Meanwhile, new political forces entering the electoral field with strong criticism of traditional parties are also making efforts to attract this voter group.
“There is concern among old parties that the current wave toward new parties may carry swing voters along with it,” said an NC leader. “However, we believe we can retain the support that was previously with us.”
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) considers itself the primary beneficiary of swing votes. Campaigning as an alternative to traditional parties, RSP is attempting to mobilize swing voters through its message of change.
Young, first-time, and urban voters are more likely to fall into the swing category. RSP’s campaign has focused particularly on youth and urban constituencies. The party has been disseminating targeted messages through various platforms to influence young and new voters.
RSP has presented Kathmandu’s former Mayor Balen Shah as prime ministerial candidate and taken him on a nationwide campaign tour. The strategy aims to influence swing voters, particularly youth and urban residents who form the core of his support base.
Traditional parties are also attempting to counter RSP’s efforts. They have launched targeted campaigns aimed at urban, youth, and first-time voters. The Nepali Congress, in particular, is seeking to project itself as a renewed political force.
To attract young and new voters, the party has projected its president, Gagan Kumar Thapa, as a prospective prime minister. “The Nepali Congress is no longer an old party; it has transformed with new and youthful leadership,” said party Joint General Secretary and Dang-1 candidate Yogendra Chaudhary. “Along with traditional voters, NC now represents the interests of youth and new voters. We are in the electoral field with this renewed message.”
Swing voters in Dang are estimated to comprise between 15 and 25 percent of the electorate. Professor Gautam noted that this segment could be decisive in determining victory or defeat. He suggested that parties must present agendas tailored specifically to undecided voters rather than focusing solely on core supporters.
“If parties present convincing agendas that appeal to uncertain voters, swing votes can be influential,” Gautam said. “Otherwise, there is a risk that these votes may drift. To prevent them from swinging, parties must understand their concerns and frame their agendas accordingly.”
