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By Our Reporter

The March 5 election does not feel like past elections, because voters have sensed that they are not only picking lawmakers but are out to election leaders who will lead the next government. That feeling has grown because major parties have tied their campaigns to one clear leader. Because of this, the election looks less like a routine parliamentary contest and more like a judgement on government leadership. This shift did not happen by chance. Years of unstable governments have left people tired and impatient. Nepal has seen prime ministers come and go, coalitions fall apart, and parties fight among themselves. For many voters, this cycle has become exhausting. They want clarity before they vote. They want to know who will take charge if a party wins. By naming prime ministerial candidates ahead of election, parties are trying to meet that expectation.

Another reason is the kind of leaders now in the spotlight. Gagan Kumar Thapa, KP Sharma Oli, and Balen Shah are not unfamiliar faces. Each has a strong public image and a loyal following. Each also represents a different idea of politics. Their presence has shifted attention away from local races and symbols toward a broader debate about direction, trust, and intent. News coverage has reinforced this by treating rallies and speeches as part of a three-way contest for the top post. The structure of the electoral system also plays a role. Even without a direct vote for prime minister, people know that their choice of party affects who gets that role. Proportional representation votes, cast across the country, feel especially important in this context. When parties commit to one leader in advance, voters feel their ballots carry more weight in deciding who leads the government.

There are clear benefits to this approach. It reduces confusion after the election. In the past, many voters felt misled when parties changed course and picked a different leader through internal deals. Naming a candidate early lowers that risk. It also sharpens accountability. When a party puts forward a face, voters can assess that person’s record, behavior, and promises. This makes public judgment easier and pressure stronger. It may also help control internal party disputes. When a leader is chosen before the vote, it becomes harder for rivals to destabilize the government later. Given Nepal’s history of short-lived governments, this kind of clarity could bring some relief.

Concerns

Still, there are real concerns. Parliamentary democracy depends on parties, policies, and shared responsibility. When elections revolve too much around individuals, that balance can weaken. Local issues may receive less attention. Capable lawmakers may struggle to stand out. Internal debate inside parties may shrink, replaced by loyalty tests.

There is also the risk of inflated expectations. A leader promoted as a national answer to every problem may find it hard to deliver once in office. Coalition politics, legal limits, and economic constraints do not disappear after an election. When promises collide with reality, public disappointment can deepen.

Power concentration inside parties is another worry. A campaign built around one figure can silence dissenting voices. Ticket distribution may reward obedience instead of competence. This may help a party in the short term but harm it later by weakening internal trust and renewal.

Balen Shah’s entry adds a fresh but complex element. His popularity reflects deep frustration with traditional politics and a strong pull toward outsider figures. Social media has amplified his appeal and helped him connect with younger voters. This energy can inject new life into politics. At the same time, running a city and running a country are very different tasks. National leadership demands negotiation, patience, and institutional respect, not just bold statements. Declaring prime ministerial candidates can strengthen democracy if it brings honesty and responsibility. It can weaken it if politics turns into a contest of faces and fan bases. The real measure will come after the votes, when leaders face the everyday work of governing.