Voters pledge support to leaders who truly understand public concerns

KATHMANDU: As the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 approaches, candidates across the country have intensified door-to-door campaigns to woo voters.

However, voters say they are no longer satisfied with empty promises and are demanding concrete agendas focused on development, good governance, and job creation.

Locals complain that political leaders repeatedly make pledges during elections but fail to deliver once elected—a pattern they say has been repeated for years.

Pritam Thapa of Kathekhola Rural Municipality–2 in Baglung constituency No. 1 said he would cast his vote this time only for candidates who come with a clear and practical agenda.

Sharing his experience of voting three times so far, Thapa said elected representatives have failed to work in line with public expectations.

He pointed out that education, health services, drinking water, and transportation have yet to reach many remote areas and urged leaders to prioritize these basic needs.

“An election is an opportunity to choose a capable representative. Voters must think carefully before making a decision,” Thapa said. “Many candidates come asking for votes during elections, but we shouldn’t be swayed blindly. The vote should go to someone who understands grassroots problems and can raise people’s voices in Parliament.”

Similarly, Tul Bahadur Khatri of Galkot Municipality–8 expressed dissatisfaction with both old and newly formed political parties, saying neither has been able to work effectively in the public interest.

He stressed that all parties—regardless of their history—must share a common commitment to development and good governance.

Khatri noted that citizens in remote settlements are still deprived of basic services and said leaders must genuinely engage with their problems after winning elections.

“I have participated in many elections. Those who won did some work, but not as much as they should have,” he said. “The next leadership must understand every citizen’s problems. Leaders should not discriminate between party loyalists and others. We need selfless leaders.”

Meanwhile, 74-year-old Kul Bahadur Sunar of Dhorpatan Municipality–9 said people have suffered because they failed to choose the right candidates in the past.

He said he has voted in every election since 2048 BS, but alleged that leaders he supported never returned to the village after winning.

Sunar said he is now determined to vote for a candidate who prioritizes public issues over personal interests.