KATHMANDU, Jan 2: Women’s rights activists have demanded that proportional inclusive rights be ensured in accordance with the spirit of the constitution.
A rally was organized by the Women’s Rights Pressure Campaign at Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu, to press for the proper implementation of the proportional inclusive rights enshrined in the constitution.
The rally, which began at Maitighar Mandala, concluded at New Baneshwor with a corner assembly where the women’s rights defenders asserted that the system of Proportional Representation (PR) was not meant for wealthy or influential individuals. They further argued that it is intended to protect the rights of marginalized groups, including women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, and backward communities.
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The protest was prompted by some political parties, ahead of the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election, fielding well-known and affluent individuals in the PR category—contrary to the core principle of proportional representation.
The principle of PR is that political representation should closely reflect the diversity of votes in society, thereby mainstreaming marginalized communities.
Participants of the rally carried placards with messages such as “Compliance with proportional inclusive rights,” “End impunity,” and “Women’s participation in leadership,” among others.
Speaking at the corner meeting, Nanimaya Thapa, senior vice-president of the NGO Federation of Nepal, criticized political parties for giving space in the PR system to wealthy individuals, close relatives and influential figures. She further condemned new political parties for following the same practice by including famous and wealthy people in their PR lists for the upcoming election.
Noting the long-standing struggles of activists to guarantee the PR system in the constitution, she warned political parties not to misuse it. “Affluent individuals and close relatives cannot be included in the proportional quota,” she cautioned, urging the parties to immediately remove such names from their PR lists.
Similarly, Monika Niraula, a leader of the Gen-Z generation, emphasized the need for political parties to make proper use of the constitutionally enshrined rights. Arguing that proportional representation belongs to marginalized communities, she urged leaders not to exploit it for personal gain.
The organizers of the rally said they would continue raising their voices for the inclusion of rightful candidates in the PR lists and carry on awareness campaigns to safeguard the system.
