Electoral system must change for effective budget allocation: Maoist MP Shahi
Shahi argued that the current electoral system is a root cause of distortion in the budget-making process.
KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Mahendra Bahadur Shahi has said that the electoral system itself must be changed to ensure proper and effective budget allocation.
Speaking during the deliberations on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Shahi argued that the current electoral system is a root cause of distortion in the budget-making process.
“Without changing the electoral system, the budget cannot be reformed,” he stated, adding that “the main pressure on the government while drafting the budget comes from elections.”
Shahi pointed out that lawmakers often win elections by making big promises to the public about schools, roads, education, health, and employment, but the budget cannot meet those expectations.
“There is more dissatisfaction among ruling party lawmakers than in the opposition,” he said. “The government tried to please everyone, but failed. The only solution is a systemic change.”
He stressed that political pressure and election-time promises often outweigh actual local needs in the budget, and only electoral reform can offer a long-term solution. Shahi also urged the Finance Minister to lead this reform, highlighting the ministry’s central role in nation-building.
