Nepal'S Proportional Representation: Puppets Of Power Or Agents Of Change?

Electoral Drama in Nepal's Local Elections

During the heated 2017 local elections, the political scene in Bharatpur saw some serious drama when representatives of Bharatpur Metropolitan Mayor candidate, Renu Dahal – a CPN (Maoist Centre) leader – allegedly destroyed uncounted ballot papers inside the vote-counting center. This bold move was reportedly fueled by fear of an impending defeat. Initially, this blatant violation of election rules should have led to the immediate annulment of Dahal's candidacy. However, the Election Commission (EC) controversially ordered a re-election, which Dahal ultimately won.

The decision faced backlash from both the public and intellectuals, but the real reasons behind the EC's decision were left unexamined. It turns out, Ayodhi Prasad Yadav, the chief Election Commissioner at the time, had a personal stake. His daughter-in-law, a political outsider, had been placed on the CPN-Maoist Centre's proportional representation (PR) list for provincial assembly elections, creating a glaring conflict of interest that was never adequately addressed in public discourse.

“This is a classic case of how influential figures manipulate the PR system,” a critic pointed out, emphasizing the need for accountability.

A Flawed Electoral System in the Spotlight

Nepal's Constitution, through Article 42, champions social justice via positive discrimination for various marginalized groups, including women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, and other minority communities. In August 2024, the Supreme Court (SC) directed that the PR system must genuinely reflect these principles. Political parties were urged to nominate PR lawmakers who truly represented under-represented communities, not just fulfill quotas.

Despite these directives, political parties continue to favor influential figures, businessmen, and allies of political leaders in their PR nominations. The Election Commission and the Supreme Court have yet to hold them accountable.

The New Faces in Politics Disappoint

Ahead of the March 5 elections, political parties submitted their PR lists, which were expected to align with the SC's inclusivity directives. However, the lists are rife with elites and relatives of leaders, betraying the ideals many younger voters championed during the Gen-Z movement against corruption and nepotism. Even alternative parties, initially seen as fresh contenders, failed to meet expectations. They submitted lists just as skewed towards the influential and wealthy as the established parties.

In a surprising turn, top vote-getters in inter-party primaries found themselves demoted in the PR lists, still rallying behind their leaders despite previous criticisms of such practices. This scenario reflects a deeper issue of loyalty morphing into blind subservience, drawing public ire.

New Coalitions, Old Tactics

In an attempt to challenge established powers, three alternative political forces – Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Sah faction, and Kulman Ghising's Ujyalo Nepal Party – have joined forces. While this might appear strategic, critics argue that it merely echoes the power-sharing tactics of their predecessors without real reform agendas.

If the Election Commission fails to cancel non-compliant nominations, the incoming parliament might just be another gathering of the elite, sidelining the very communities the PR system was designed to empower.