Election Fever Grips Nepal as March 5 Polls Approach

Kathmandu. As the Representative Assembly member election scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21) approaches, election fever has gripped the entire country. Political activity has intensified not only in the cities but also in rural villages. 

Villages that typically only fill up during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar are appearing lively again due to election campaigns, meetings, and strategic movements.

The election has introduced a unique vibrancy to Nepal's social life. Political party flags, candidates visiting door-to-door, active community gatherings in villages, and debates at tea shops are all centered around the election. 

The election has transformed from a mere political activity into something akin to a social festival. People’s social engagement is increasing as they discuss political party activities, manifestos, and commitment letters with political awareness.

However, even on the eve of the election, the number of passengers in long-distance vehicles remains low. Transport entrepreneurs state that passenger pressure has not increased as expected. 

According to Yadav Giri, an employee of Sundar Sudurpaschim Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., which operates services in the Sudurpaschim region, passenger movement is currently at a normal level.

"Right now, there isn't much of a crowd for the election. People are heading to their villages only sporadically. Although some voters from the hilly regions have started returning for the vote, a massive wave has not yet arrived," Giri said.

According to Giri, it was a trend in past elections for candidates to reserve vehicles to send their supporters to the villages. He mentioned that this process might start again this time. While long-distance public vehicles remain nearly empty and bus parks appear quiet, candidates are expected to begin reserving buses for their supporters soon.

"In another two to four days, candidates might start reserving vehicles. It appears they will contact us to book buses from the outside," he said. He further informed that while advance booking specifically for the election has not been officially opened, online booking remains available. "Online booking is open, but we haven't seen advance bookings specifically focused on the election yet," he added.

According to the company, most buses departing from Kathmandu operate as night services. Since fewer buses run during the day, passenger management typically happens at night. Giri informed that the fare from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi is 2,895 Rupees. 

Similarly, the company's vehicles reach the hilly districts of Sudurpaschim via Attariya and Tikapur. He stated that the fare to Bajura is approximately 4,500 Rupees and the fare to Bajhang is about 4,485 Rupees.

Transport entrepreneurs expect passenger pressure to increase as the voting date nears. Giri believes that a sudden crowd is likely if the trend of candidates taking supporters to villages begins. The company believes they have enough vehicles to manage passengers without issue. 

The election not only revitalizes the connection with the village but also awakens social psychology. Returning to the village to vote is not just a duty but an emotional aspect linked to the right to vote. 

Therefore, although the current pressure is low, transport companies believe the wave of people returning to villages could intensify before March 5.