Gen Z Revolution Dhading Appeals to Vote Only After Studying Candidate Qualifications and Legal Validity

Dhading — In the context of the upcoming elections, The Gen Z Revolution, Dhading, has expressed serious concern regarding the candidacy of Ashika Tamang, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate for House of Representatives Constituency No. 1 in Dhading district. 

The organization has urged voters to remain cautious, warning that voting without sufficient study of a candidate’s legal qualifications and validity could lead to legal and financial complications in the future.

Recalling the situation in Chitwan Constituency No. 2 during the 2022 elections, where a dispute over citizenship and passports arose, Gen Z Revolution pointed out that the state had to spend millions of rupees and citizens faced the hassle of re-voting due to one individual's legal error. The organization maintains a clear stance that such a situation should not be repeated in Dhading.

The organization stated that according to Article 87 (1) (a) of the Constitution, one must be a Nepali citizen to become a member of the Federal Parliament, while Article 291 (1) mentions that individuals holding foreign permanent residency (PR) are ineligible to be elected through elections. 

Similarly, Section 13 (cha) of the House of Representatives Member Election Act, 2074, also clearly stipulates that a person with permanent residency in a foreign country cannot be a candidate.

According to Gen Z Revolution, information regarding candidate Ashika Tamang holding German permanent residency has already become public. The organization stated that the confusion seen during the candidacy withdrawal process, the alleged telephone conversation with the Election Officer, and the subsequent claim regarding an "email hack" have raised serious questions about the fairness of the election and the candidate's ethics.

However, while expressing respect for Ashika Tamang as an energetic social worker, the organization suggested she resolve legal complexities and give up her foreign PR before becoming active in Nepali politics in the future.

Considering the geographical difficulties of Dhading and the limited resources of the state, the organization urged voters to be alert, noting that supporting a candidacy carrying legal risks increases the likelihood of a re-election. The organization concluded that it is the need of the hour to select legally qualified, capable, and independent candidates based on law rather than emotion.

Furthermore, noting that news reports with evidence related to this matter have already been published in various media outlets, Gen Z Revolution has demanded that the Election Commission cancel Ashika Tamang's candidacy and proceed with legal action.

Finally, the organization appealed to all Gen Z youth and all voters of Dhading to remain vigilant, with the objective that Dhading should not face political instability like Chitwan and that the development budget should not have to be spent on re-elections.