Basnet Calls for Ballot Paper Reform to Transform Political Parties

Kathmandu — Purna Basnet, Head of the Publicity Department of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, has demanded a change in the format of the election ballot paper to ensure the transformation of political parties and the proper selection of capable representatives.

According to Basnet, the current electoral system, where party symbols are printed on the ballot and voters cast their vote based on these symbols, undermines the importance of the individual candidates. He has proposed that ballots should instead feature the names and photographs of candidates.

Basnet said, “Voters have never been able to truly choose their representatives — they are forced to choose symbols. Regardless of a candidate's competence, the election is won or lost based on the party symbol. This has allowed old political parties to severely exploit the system.”

He argued that capable candidates are often compelled to align with corrupt parties just to win elections, while unqualified candidates win merely due to the power of the party's symbol. He believes such a flawed system must come to an end.

While a few independent candidates did win in the last election as a result of public dissatisfaction, Basnet said this is not sufficient. He emphasized the need for a fundamental reform of the electoral system.