Political parties contesting the March 5 elections for the House of Representatives (HoR) have unveiled their election manifestos. These documents are being closely scrutinized, as the polls are taking place against the backdrop of the Sept 8–9 protests. The GenZ-led demonstrations have shaken Nepali society, including the political establishment. This write-up offers a comparative analysis of the manifestos of four major parties—Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML (UML), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP)—focusing on their positions regarding the September protests, foreign policy, economic agenda, constitutional amendments, and governance reform.
Positions on GenZ protest
The Nepali Congress manifesto identifies two “worrying tendencies” that emerged after the Sept 8–9 protests. First, it criticizes attempts to dismiss the movement as a conspiracy or minor event, arguing that such denial seeks to restore the pre-Sept 7 status quo. Second, it warns against exploiting the youth rebellion for political gain, a remark widely interpreted as directed at RSP. NC positions itself against both tendencies, concluding that the rebellion represents a demand for good governance and accountability amid declining institutional credibility and corruption. It even equates the GenZ protests with major democratic movements since the 1950s.
UML, which was in power during the protests, describes the Sept 8–9 events as a grave and organized attempt to undermine national sovereignty. The party raises concerns about infiltration, the nature of protesters’ demands, attacks on the private sector, and assaults on security agencies. It maintains that these questions cannot simply be dismissed as conspiracy theories.
RSP states that it will implement the findings of a probe committee formed to investigate the protests. While it holds then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli accountable for the events, its manifesto does not elaborate extensively on its broader position regarding the protests. The Nepali Communist Party devotes limited space to the GenZ movement but indicates that constitutional changes will be made in response to youth demands.
Foreign policy
Across the board, foreign policy sections are marked by cautious and abstract language. UML emphasizes sovereign equality, independence, and peaceful relations. It pledges stronger ties with neighboring countries, expanded labor agreements, foreign investment, and job creation. The manifesto reaffirms adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, non-interference, and Panchsheel. UML reiterates its commitment to “friendship with all, enmity with none.”
RSP advocates a “balanced and dynamic diplomacy,” aiming to transform Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge” between India and China through strategic partnerships, connectivity, and development cooperation.
NC envisions Nepal as a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified nation guided by national interest and sovereign equality. It seeks to enhance Nepal’s global image, highlighting iconic heritage sites such as Mount Everest, Lumbini, Pashupatinath Temple, and Janaki Temple.
The Nepali Communist Party(NCP) outlines a more detailed agenda: prioritizing balanced ties with neighbors, resolving border disputes (Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, Kalapani) through diplomatic dialogue and international law, strengthening participation in forums such as the UN, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, reviewing unequal treaties, and prioritizing economic diplomacy to boost investment and exports.
Economic policy
Nepali Congress reiterates its long-standing liberal economic orientation, recalling the liberalization and privatization policies of the early 1990s. It proposes establishing the private sector as the main engine of prosperity, with the government acting primarily as a regulator. At the same time, it emphasizes social justice by ensuring economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
RSP similarly endorses a liberal economic model with a social justice component. It envisions the private sector leading in employment creation, service delivery, and investment, while the state serves as facilitator and regulator.
UML sets ambitious targets: achieving over 7 percent annual growth and expanding the economy to Rs 100 trillion within five years. Although it does not explicitly frame its approach as liberal, it identifies the private sector as the principal driver of prosperity while supporting increased state investment in high-multiplier sectors.
The Nepali Communist Party commits to a “socialist-oriented economy,” as envisioned in the 2015 Constitution. It calls for comprehensive structural reforms aimed at production growth, job creation, financial inclusion, and self-reliance, with balanced development among private, cooperative, and public sectors.
Constitutional amendment
All four parties acknowledge the need for constitutional amendments but remain vague on specifics.
Nepali Congress argues that amendments are necessary to implement its reform agenda and proposes an Inter-Party Collaboration Framework to build consensus.
RSP pledges to prepare, within three months of forming a government, a document outlining potential amendments. Its proposals include a directly elected executive, a fully proportional parliament, barring lawmakers from serving as ministers, non-party local governments, and restructuring parliament. UML supports amendments based on broad political consensus but offers limited detail and has softened its earlier calls for major changes.
The Nepali Communist Party defends the 2015 Constitution as one of the best in the world, born of popular struggle. While rejecting any attempt to abolish it, the party supports review and amendment through constitutional procedures. It proposes revisiting the electoral system, governance structure, cabinet size, and provincial arrangements.
Governance reform
Nepali Congress and RSP present detailed reform agendas. NC proposes measures, including a high-level probe into the assets of public office holders since 1990; empowering the National Vigilance Center; conflict-of-interest legislation; merit-based appointments; a cooling-off period for officials; amendments to the Public Procurement Act; a governance lab and parliamentary knowledge unit; reducing ministries and departments; term limits for prime ministers and lawmakers; and state funding for political parties.
RSP advances similar proposals, including dissolving trade unions in government offices, avoiding party sister wings, investigating past office holders’ assets, forming an independent civil service transfer board, ending political influence in judicial appointments, and transforming the National Planning Commission into a think tank.
UML outlines broad principles of good governance, such as rule of law, efficiency, anti-corruption, impartiality, transparency, and accountability, but provides fewer concrete reform proposals. Its manifesto focuses more on defending its governance record since 1990.
The Nepali Communist Party proposes forming an empowered, independent commission with a one-year mandate to investigate corruption and assets of past public officials. It also promises a high-level Lokpal body and merit-based appointments free from political influence.
