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British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising.

During the meeting held at the Energy Ministry today, Ambassador Fenn congratulated the newly appointed Minister Ghising and extended best wishes for his successful term.

Discussion was held on various issues including friendship and collaboration between Nepal and the United Kingdom, UK's support in energy sector, possibility of investment in infrastructure sector and necessary support for the measures to minimize problems surfaced due to climate change, according to the Ministry.

On the occasion, Minister Ghising shared that reconstruction of damaged structures, election and good governance are the major priorities of the government formed after the Gen-Z protest.   

Lauding the UK's support in Nepal's economic development, Minister Ghising opined that the UK's support for the establishment of charging stations to increase the use of electric vehicles in order to reduce carbon emissions and reach net-zero has become effective.   

Similarly, Ambassador Fenn stated that the UK is the old friend of Nepal and there would be continued support of the UK in Nepal's success and economic transformation, according to Minister Ghising's Secretariat.

The government has transferred three secretaries.

A Cabinet meeting held on Sunday decided to transfer Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, Defense Secretary Rameshwor Dangal and National Planning Commission Secretary Suman Raj Aryal.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Dangal has been transferred to the Home Ministry while Aryal to the Defense Ministry and Duwadi to the National Planning Commission.

Although the Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to transfer three secretaries, the Prime Minister's Office authenticated the transfers only on Tuesday, a source said.

A series of instabilities and government changes that have recurred in Nepal’s political history have once again pushed the country toward the election path. There is a mixture of excitement and apprehension in political circles regarding the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5 next year. The elections will not be held as per the usual schedule, but have been announced after the dissolution of parliament as a result of the recent political crisis and youth movements. 

Background of the crisis

The government formed after the 2079 elections in Nepal did not complete its full term. In recent months, the country has been rocked by youth-led (Gen Z) protests. These protests were mainly against economic inequality, corruption, and unemployment, which claimed lives. This put pressure on the political leadership and ultimately led to the dissolution of parliament.

On Sept 13, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a retired Chief Justice. The decision paves the way for the country to hold elections within six months. The President has appealed to all parties to cooperate in making the elections a success. The elections will be held under a mixed electoral system, with 165 of the 275 seats being direct and 110 proportional.

The developments highlight Nepal's political instability. Nepal has seen 13 governments since 2008, which has affected development and stability. Youth movements have challenged traditional parties, and new political forces are likely to emerge through the upcoming vote.

Population and voter turnout

According to the 2022 census, Nepal’s total population is 29,192,480. The number of registered voters thus far is 17,988,570. This shows that about two-thirds of the population was of age to directly participate in the electoral process. But a large part of the population is still children or ineligible to vote. This fact indicates that a large part of the young generation will be decisive in building the future in a developing country like Nepal. The structure of the population is a factor that affects the election results in the long term.

Voter turnout

Altogether 61.85 percent of voters took part in the 2022 elections. Out of 17,988,570 registered voters, about 11,125,931 voted. This percentage is medium in the context of South Asian countries. This shows that the interest of Nepali citizens in the democratic process is still sufficient, but not completely satisfactory. About 38 percent of registered voters did not vote, suggesting that factors like dissatisfaction with political parties, weaknesses in the electoral system or socio-economic reasons may have kept the eligible voters away from the electoral process.

Absentee population and foreign employment

The most serious problem in the context of elections is the absentee population. It is currently estimated that about 3m-3.5m Nepali citizens work or live abroad. Most of these are youth, leaving a huge gap in the country’s productive workforce and democratic participation.

In the fiscal 2022-23 alone, 771,327 youth obtained permits for foreign employment. This figure clearly shows the intensity of the labor exodus from Nepal. These same youths, who could have played a significant role in shaping the country’s political future, were absent on the polling day. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that Nepal’s electoral system does not provide an opportunity for citizens abroad to vote. Many countries have made arrangements for their citizens who are abroad or working abroad to vote by mail, through embassies or through online systems. But because Nepal has failed to take steps in this area, the voices of about 20 percent of potential voters were not reflected in the election results.

Gap in representation

The absentee population has created a huge gap in democratic practice. Youth are the bearers of new ideas, policy reforms and long-term development. When they are excluded from the voting process, policies made in parliament cannot address their needs and priorities. In this way, it can be concluded that the 2022 election results were based on incomplete popular representation. Although the Election Commission officially showed a 61.85 percent turnout, this figure failed to include millions of citizens living abroad.

Lack of voting through reps

There was neither a system for voting from abroad in the 2022 election, nor a system for proxy voting. Therefore, the people absent from the country due to foreign employment or migration were deprived of the right to vote. This has weakened the guarantee of equal rights and participation enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal. Depriving people who have obtained citizenship but are living abroad from voting is a curtailment of civil rights.

Strategy of major parties

The major parties in the political landscape of Nepal are the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (UML), the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) and other smaller parties. In the previous election, the Congress won 89 seats, the UML 78 and the Maoist Center 32 seats. But the current crisis has brought about a reshuffle in coalitions. 

Nepali Congress: This party represents democratic values ​​and could be influenced by the youth movement. Its base is strong in rural areas and the Madhesh, but corruption allegations have weakened it. The party is likely to raise economic reforms and employment as issues during the elections.

CPN-UML: Under the leadership of KP Oli, this party has emerged with a nationalist image. It has adopted a policy of balancing relations with India and China. The party has also been influenced by the youth movement, but its organizational strength is strong.

Maoist Center: Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s party emphasizes social justice, but frequent coalition changes have eroded its credibility.

Against this backdrop, coalitions will be crucial. As in the past, there is a possibility of bargaining to form a government after the elections. The interim government has claimed to make the elections fair, but the opposition calls it a plot to seize power.

Challenges and risks

The main challenges facing this election include political violence, economic crisis, ethnic and regional disparities, and election management. Violence during the youth movement could affect the vote, which could reduce voter turnout and increase the need for international observation. Nepal’s low GDP growth rate and high unemployment have led to an economic crisis, which could increase discontent if parties do not prioritize economic issues. Tensions between the Madhes and hilly regions have given rise to ethnic and regional disparities, which could raise questions about the legitimacy of the election if there is no inclusive representation. Also, the preparation of the Election Commission and the post-Covid health security situation could pose problems in election management, which could increase allegations of fraud.

These challenges have complicated the election. The interim government is trying to bring stability within six months, but the discontent of the younger generation could lead to new political changes.

A sense of the future

This election could take Nepal in two directions: on the one hand, a stable government and a leap forward in development, on the other, a return to instability. If the major parties address youth issues (employment, education, environment), they can gain support from the new generation. If new parties win more than 50 percent of the seats, a nationalist wave could emerge in Nepali politics. Ultimately, this election is a test of Nepal’s democracy. If all parties cooperate as the President has called for, it can succeed. But parties must be accountable to the people to break the cycle of corruption and instability. Nepal must seize this opportunity to chart a course toward stability and prosperity.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to four newly-appointed ministers on Monday, further expanding the interim cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

Those sworn in at a ceremony held at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, were former Supreme Court Justice Anil Kumar Sinha, National Innovation Center founder Mahabir Pun, journalist Jagadish Kharel, and agriculture scientist Madan Pariyar.

According to the allocation of responsibilities, Sinha has been assigned the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation. Pun has been given the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Kharel will head the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, while Pariyar has taken charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

This is the second expansion of the cabinet since Karki assumed office as interim prime minister on Sept 12 following the GenZ movement. With the new appointments, the size of the council of ministers has reached eight.

Earlier, the prime minister had inducted Kulman Ghising, Om Prakash Aryal, and Rameshore Khanal as ministers. Following Monday’s reshuffle, Khanal has been given the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration alongside the Ministry of Finance. Aryal has been relieved of the law portfolio and will now look only after the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Despite these additions, Prime Minister Karki continues to retain nine ministries under her direct control. These include the ministries of Foreign Affairs; Defense; Health and Population; Women, Children and Senior Citizens; Labor, Employment and Social Security; Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Forests and Environment; Urban Development; and Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior officials including Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal and Prime Minister Karki. This is the first time Speaker Ghimire gave his attendance in an official forum after the recent political shuffle.

After assuming office, the newly-appointed ministers outlined their priorities. Education Minister Pun said his immediate focus would be on strengthening science, technology and innovation. He cautioned against the tendency to form unnecessary committees, stressing that resources should be directed to practical programs with measurable outcomes.

Pun assumed office in Keshar Mahal. Following the arson during the GenZ movement that damaged the Ministry of Education inside Singhadurbar, the new education minister’s office was prepared at Keshar Mahal. 

Speaking to journalists, Pun said he would not speak much immediately as his appointment was sudden. “If I were Shiva or God, I would have said I’ll do this and that using my third eye. But suddenly, I’ve been brought here as a minister. I don’t want any perks or facilities. I’ll stay here in the ministry with just a bed,” he said. In a lighthearted tone, he added, “The ministry must have a kitchen. I’ll cook and eat here and sleep here as well.”

Pun stressed that he would quickly implement good suggestions received during his tenure. He said his top priority would be science, technology and innovation, in line with the ministry’s mandate. While education is also linked to his portfolio, he said he would not immediately speak about reforms and changes in education. He noted that he never wanted to become a minister, but circumstances brought him here.

The new minister emphasized that merely forming committees would not be enough; rather, concrete actions must be taken. Before signing his first decision upon assuming office, Pun made this point clear. Ministry officials had requested him to sign a decision to form a new committee of think tanks. Officials explained that based on the opinions and suggestions of experts in the field of science and technology, the ministry had decided to form a committee to guide future policies and programs, identifying four key areas to begin with.

However, Pun objected, saying forming committees alone would not suffice without securing financial resources. He pointed out that issues often remain stuck in ministries for want of funding. “Committees are always formed, but nothing progresses. The real issue is resources. We must first secure financial sources. Things have stalled simply because there’s no money. We need to identify where funds can come from,” Pun said.

Pun announced that a team of experts would be formed to work on the Education Act. Asked what the Act would look like, he admitted, “I don’t know yet. I’ll form a team of experts, and based on their advice, I’ll move forward.” Since parliament has already been dissolved, rendering all parliamentary committees inactive, he appealed to experts to provide honest recommendations.

Asked about people calling him the “scrap minister,” Pun requested not to be addressed as a minister outside the ministry premises. He also said he would engage young people between the ages of 16 and 30 in his work. On the issues of ending corruption and ensuring good governance raised by the GenZ generation, he stated that his ministry would also pay close attention.

Information Minister Kharel announced that his ministry would launch a campaign to expand free internet services in public spaces across 10 major cities within the next five months. He said the initiative would improve digital access for citizens, particularly students and professionals who rely on public connectivity.

Kharel refused to sign the first decision prepared by ministry staff, instead asking them to bring a different one. Later, his first decision was to provide free internet service in public places across 10 major cities within five months. At his swearing-in and subsequent press conference, Kharel vowed to deliver visible results “with dust and ashes still in hand,” expressing his wish to trust Nepal’s bureaucracy and pledging non-interference in their work.

Industry Minister Sinha, who appeared visibly emotional during his remarks, recalled those who lost their lives in the recent GenZ protests. He pledged that the sacrifices of the youth would not be forgotten and said his ministry would prioritize reforms aimed at promoting justice and transparency. He signed his first decision to provide employment opportunities for families of martyrs and the injured from the protests, as well as to prioritize domestic products in government procurements.

Agriculture Minister Pariyar emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods. He said his ministry would work to ensure food security, boost productivity and promote sustainable practices in the sector. He approved the formation of a coordination committee to implement Nepal-Korea cooperation on potato and rice crop research. 

Addressing journalists, Pariyar pledged to work differently in the agriculture sector, prioritizing elections while also tackling governance issues and corruption. Experts stress that Nepal’s agriculture is in crisis, with multidimensional problems such as land ownership, access to quality seeds and fertilizer, irrigation, climate change, global trade policies, and weak infrastructure. They argue that long-term systemic solutions are needed to build resilient and inclusive agricultural systems. Pariyar now faces the challenge of addressing farmers’ dissatisfaction, resource limitations and market management issues during his tenure.

The expansion of the cabinet comes at a time when the Karki-led interim government is under pressure to respond to the demands raised during the GenZ movement, which called for accountability, reforms and better governance. The appointment of professionals and experts from outside traditional party politics has been seen as a response to public sentiment.