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KYIV, UKRAINE – AUGUST 24: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks as he and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (not pictured) give a press conference on August 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British prime minister, who leaves office next month, visited the Ukrainian capital as the country commemorated its 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. This year, August 24 also marks six months since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of the country. (Photo by Alexey Furman/Getty Images)

By P.R. Pradhan

It seems that the United States is viewing Nepal through its own strategic lens. The Americans appear to be trying to develop Nepal as a military launchpad. Nepal has become important to the U.S. due to its rare earth minerals and its strategic location for counterbalancing or monitoring India and possibly China.

The Americans are using the March 5 elections to bring forward a “new Zelenskyy” for Nepal—someone who could serve their interests.

The old, established political parties are facing serious challenges. The UML is becoming increasingly unpopular and is suffering from internal disputes. The Nepali Congress has been divided since the special Assembly. Another radical communist group, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, is struggling with an existential crisis. Although all three political groupings supported republicanism, federalism, and secularism, the Americans did not trust them. As a result, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was formed just before the previous general elections. At that time, a notice was issued by American Christian groups urging voters to cast their votes for “Bell,” the election symbol of the RSP.

This time, Rabi Lamichhane appears to have been sidelined by the Americans, while Balen (Balendra) Shah is being projected as the next prime minister. As an alternative to Balen, Gagan Thapa is also being prepared as a potential candidate for prime minister.

Election in Nepal, Betting in America

The Americans seem highly interested in Nepal’s March 5 elections. Various gambling groups around Manhattan, New York, have reportedly launched online betting on which political party will win in Nepal. According to a Facebook clipping, 55 percent of participants have predicted that the RSP will become the largest party.

Nepali youths participating in such gambling may put pressure on their parents and relatives in Nepal to vote for the RSP.

In addition, the RSP is expected to receive a significant block of votes from Christian as well as Tibetan communities.

Is the Election Commission aware of these types of online activities?