Political parties have excessively misused the proportional representation system: Purna Basnet

Purna Basnet, Head of the Publicity and Publication Department of the People's Socialist Party (JSP) Nepal, has stated that political parties have been excessively misusing the proportional representation (PR) electoral system. 

Commenting on parties’ closed lists of proportional candidates, Basnet accused the
parties of seriously undermining the constitutional spirit of the PR system.

He explained that during candidate selection, those who repeatedly held key positions and benefits, celebrities, members of business families, relatives, donors, and leaders’ favorites are prioritized by parties. While the PR system is fundamentally a good system, he argues that its practice in Nepal has become distorted.

Basnet said, “Looking at the closed lists submitted by parties under the proportional representation system, it becomes evident how corrupt and distorted the parties are. They also make no visible effort to ensure geographic representation is balanced.”

He alleged that senior leaders of older parties have played a key role in distorting a system meant to provide opportunities to oppressed communities and groups, and that new parties have followed their example.

Basnet further stated that parties have turned the PR system into a “backdoor” for those who cannot win direct elections to enter parliament. He emphasized that the proportional inclusion system should guarantee effective representation of all social classes, castes, communities, groups, and segments of society.

He highlighted that the Constitution ensures, under the right to social justice, the participation of socially disadvantaged women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, Madhesis, Tharus, minorities, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups, Muslims, backward communities, sexual and gender minorities, youth, farmers, laborers, and citizens from deprived areas, as well as economically disadvantaged Khas Aryas, in state bodies based on the principle of inclusion. Political parties must comply with this constitutional provision.

Basnet stressed that the Election Commission should ensure that mistakes and shortcomings by political parties are corrected in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.