Nepal Rivals Clash in Final Push for Votes Ahead of Key Elections
As Nepal's election campaign comes to a close, rival political parties rally supporters while the Prime Minister urges citizens to exercise their democratic right.
Kathmandu, Nepal - The final day of Nepal's election campaign saw rival political parties holding massive rallies and events to sway undecided voters ahead of the crucial polls. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba made a last-ditch appeal to citizens, urging them to participate in the democratic process and cast their ballots.
The two-week campaign period has been marked by a wave of younger, progressive candidates challenging veteran politicians and traditional power brokers. Many of these newcomers have centered their platforms around tackling the country's pressing economic issues, such as high inflation, youth unemployment, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This election is a pivotal moment for Nepal," said Arjun Thapa, a 32-year-old candidate running for a parliamentary seat. "Voters are hungry for change and are looking to us, the younger generation, to deliver solutions to the problems they face every day."
Deuba, who has served as Prime Minister multiple times, acknowledged the public's desire for new leadership but urged caution, warning that inexperienced candidates could disrupt the country's fragile political stability. "We must balance the need for change with the importance of continuity," he said during a campaign stop in Kathmandu.
Analysts predict a tight race, with no single party likely to secure a majority. This could lead to coalition government negotiations and potential political gridlock, further complicating Nepal's path to economic recovery.
"Nepali voters are faced with a difficult choice," said Sita Gautam, a political science professor at Tribhuvan University. "They must weigh the promises of change against the risks of instability. The outcome of this election will shape the country's future for years to come."
As Nepalis prepare to head to the polls on November 20th, the final day of campaigning has seen tempers flare and passions run high. With the future of the nation at stake, both veteran politicians and political newcomers are pulling out all the stops to secure the support of the electorate.
Source: Al Jazeera
