Important Discussion on Voting Rights Between NRNA Leaders and Kulman Ghising

Kathmandu: Kulman Ghising, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, Physical Planning, Transport, and Urban Development in the interim government, has stated that the government is seriously moving forward with the issue of granting voting rights to Nepali citizens residing abroad.

Addressing a webinar organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)'s Citizenship and Voting Rights Committee on Sunday, Minister Ghising informed that the government is advancing the necessary legal and technical procedures.

Minister Ghising said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is currently working on two important issues—NRNA citizenship and voting rights from foreign soil.

Mentioning that continuous discussions are being held with the Election Commission, he said, "The government is working to issue an ordinance for the implementation of voting rights for Nepali citizens residing abroad. 

The Election Commission has cited a lack of time, but our firm stand is that Nepalis abroad must be allowed to vote under any circumstances."

He also informed about the security aspects for Nepali workers in the Gulf countries for voting and the challenges related to cooperation with the governments there.

"It is the Nepalis abroad who demonstrate patriotism. Therefore, I have even presented my views to the President for the implementation of this right," Minister Ghising stated.

Regarding the demand for the continuation of descendant-based Nepali citizenship raised by British Gurkhas, Minister Ghising recalled clearly supporting the demand while in London. 

"The continuation of descendant-based citizenship is not a loss but a gain for the country. Investment increases. The government must view this seriously," he said. He, however, noted that the issue of dual citizenship can only be addressed by an elected parliament. 

Minister Ghising affirmed the government's commitment to bring the skills, resources, and investment of non-resident Nepalis into the country, and he urged non-resident Nepalis to foster unity and build a common NRNA.

‘Voting Rights Cannot Be Stopped Under Any Circumstances’

Mahesh Kumar Shrestha, President of the NRNA ICC, said that there should be no further delay in granting voting rights to Nepalis abroad. "If not this time, it must be mandatorily implemented next time. It should be started even as a pilot project," he said.

He emphasized the need to move forward with the construction of regulations to resolve the problems related to NRNA citizenship. "Many problems will be solved if the Non-Resident Nepali Act can be amended," he noted.

Former NRNA President Kul Acharya recalled being the first person to receive NRNA citizenship and expressed sadness that despite more than two years since receiving it, the implementation has not occurred. "The NRNA citizenship is not recognized by any system in Nepal. 

This is harming the country; capital flight has increased, and investment has stalled," Acharya said. He requested the Cabinet to solve the problem through an ordinance and stated that NRNA can become the main basis for Nepal's prosperity.

Senior Advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire advocated for ensuring descendant-based Nepali citizenship. He noted that while Nepal claims to attract foreign investment, it has failed to create an easy environment for non-resident Nepalis to invest in Nepal itself. "123 countries around the world grant dual citizenship. It can be provided in Nepal too," he said.

Senior Advocate Dr. Narayan Ghimire stated that the problems have become complicated due to flaws in the Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2064, and suggested moving forward with an integrated ordinance or at least by creating a voting procedure.

Speakers including former NRNA Vice President Dr. Keshav Paudel, former US President Khagendra JC, NRNA citizenship holders Suresh Raj Gautam, Radha Paudel, and others urged the government to implement NRNA citizenship practically. "This is not a request; it is a right," Radha Paudel stated.

Dr. Yadav Pandit, President of Jai Nepal International Foundation, said, "When discussing NRNA-related issues, the administrative mechanism and leaders all seem to agree, but we have repeatedly experienced being cheated. 

If the Cabinet makes a decision, the problem will be solved immediately; an ordinance won't even be needed. This is an opportunity for the Minister. Many of us still carry Nepali citizenship. I urge the creation of an environment for Nepalis in the UK and the US to vote by going to the embassy."

NRNA Vice President Bishwas Deep Tigela, Advisor Bishnu Subedi, NRNA NCC Thailand's Sanjay Dhakal, NRNA UK Spokesperson Dr. Kul Prasad Kandel, and others expressed the view that the government, which came from the Gen Z movement, should take a brave decision and address the demands of non-resident Nepalis. 

Other speakers who shared their views at the program included Raj Acharya, Rita Devi Pradhan, Binay Shah, and Angchiring Sherpa.

Buddhi Sagar Subedi, NRNA ICC Vice President and Coordinator of the Citizenship Continuation Committee, who chaired the program, said that Nepal has not been able to utilize the property and investment of Nepalis abroad due to the non-implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship. 

He emphasized the immediate need to implement voting rights and that a constitutional amendment is necessary to ensure citizenship based on descent.

The program was conducted by Deepak Gautam, former NRNA Canada President and committee member secretary, and was welcomed by Geeta Khanal Thapa, former President of NCC France. 

Former NRNA President RK Sharma sent a message wishing the program success.