Kavrepalanchowk: Stakeholders across various sectors have emphasized the urgent need to reform Nepal's electoral system, arguing that the current structure has fallen short in delivering proportional and inclusive representation while fostering political stability.

At an interaction program titled "Reforming the Electoral System in Nepal", organized by the Journalist Society for Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with the European Union and the International IDEA, speakers underscored the weaknesses of the mixed electoral system, which was introduced less than a decade ago under constitutional provisions.

The speakers noted that the existing system has not ensured equal representation for all castes, classes, genders, and regions, thereby limiting the political empowerment of marginalized communities and women. This lack of inclusivity has resulted in increased political instability and inefficiency, with no single party achieving a clear majority to form a stable government.

Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Nepali Congress lawmaker Hridayram Thani highlighted the absence of a clear roadmap for constitutional amendments, adding that the ambiguity surrounding the election process has stalled development initiatives and deepened public frustration. He cautioned that while a fully proportional representation system might address inclusivity, it could also raise questions about accountability and responsibility.

CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Purna Bahadur Gharti called for further discussions on making the proportional representation system effective under Nepal's federal governance structure. Similarly, CPN (UML) lawmaker Ishwori Gharti Magar emphasized the need to treat proportional representation systematically and with dignity, noting declining voter participation and the necessity for transparent and restructured constituencies.

Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Dr. Toshima Karki advocated for constitutional amendments to ensure a stable government, proportional representation, and efficient public services. She suggested introducing provisions like the "Right to Reject" in the voting process and urged reforms to win back voter trust.

Janata Samajbadi Party lawmaker Rekha Yadav supported implementing a fully proportional system but cautioned that its execution must be coupled with voter awareness, digital voting systems, and the inclusion of provisions such as the "Right to Recall."

Election Commission’s Perspective
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya stressed that while reforms in election management are necessary, frequent changes to the electoral system should be avoided without comprehensive studies. He revealed that preparations are underway for a new law that introduces thresholds for parties to qualify as national or provincial entities.

Need for Comprehensive Strategy
Speakers agreed on the importance of amending the constitution to strengthen democracy and ensure long-term stability. They called for a concrete strategy that prioritizes inclusive representation, transparency, and the value of each vote while addressing systemic challenges and mindset shifts within political parties.

The event concluded with a consensus on the need for thoughtful reforms, emphasizing a balanced approach to ensure both stability and inclusivity in Nepal's evolving electoral framework.