Tek Narsingh Malla, 19, from Kathmandu University says he’s pretty excited about the election as it will be the first time he’ll be casting his vote. However, he has little faith that the new CA will be able to draft the constitution.
“The political parties are the same, the candidates standing up for election this time too are almost the same, and I don’t think there has been any change in their attitude since the first CA dissolved. In fact, if they were determined enough, the first CA itself would have drafted the constitution,” Tek vents his frustration.
Shravan Kumar Luitel, 24, an MBA student of Kathmandu University has doubts, too. “Unless one of the political parties or a coalition of them secures an absolute majority, I don’t think they can draft the constitution as per their manifesto. Because if we look at the manifestos of the different parties, we find that some of them have diametrically opposite viewpoints regarding federalism, which is one of the most sensitive issues to be addressed in the constitution,” he observes.
Likewise, Preeti Karna, a student of College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences in Handigaun, despite looking forward to the election, isn’t positive about the New Nepal that the candidates have been promising to establish. “I will fulfill my duty by voting, but I wish there were more far sighted leaders,” says she, who places high hopes on young candidates like Gagan Thapa, who, according to her, has the potentials to bring about the change that the Nepalis have been yearning for.
Moin Uddin, from Nepal Commerce Campus seconds Preeti. “If we look at the lists of candidates this time, it’s easy to observe that the same old wine is being served from a new bottle. However, Gagan Thapa inspires hope. We’re yet to see how he’ll shape the political path in the coming days, but he makes me optimistic,” he shares.
23-year-old Rupak Raj Sunuwar believes that youth leaders are capable enough to bring about the desired change. He opines, “I think the second CA election is just another waste of time and mass deception, but in case a majority of youth leaders win this election, there could be a room for hope.”
On the other hand, Sachin Tripathi, a 21-year-old student of Tribhuvan University is skeptic regarding the election itself. “It’s not over until it is over! Perhaps tomorrow you’ll see flashing news about the postponement of the upcoming election. I mean, haven’t they done that before?” he questions.
Having said that, nonetheless, Sachin also speaks of the enthusiasm he has about casting his first vote. He says, “It’s going to be my first vote if the election actually takes place. So the candidates and the political parties better be serious about doing their jobs right.”
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