Kathmandu, March 5: This election, a notable enthusiasm has been seen among the new generation or ‘Gen Z’ voters. Young people voting for the first time or returning from abroad to participate in the election have viewed their vote in connection with the country’s future.
Sujani Shrestha, 25, who has been living in Canada for studies for the past three years, returned to Nepal to participate in this election.
After casting her vote at Padmakanya Vidyashram in Dillibazar, she told RSS that she was thrilled to be able to vote.
Shrestha emphasised that ending the compulsion to go abroad for higher education and employment, and ensuring transparency should be the priority of the upcoming government that will be elected after this House of Representatives election.
“This time I have returned to Nepal from Canada specifically for voting. The first priority of the government that will be formed now should be transparency and good governance.
Due to widespread corruption in our country, young people are forced to go abroad. If quality education and employment opportunities are created within the country, most young people will stay at home. I hope that the government that will be formed now will prioritise these issues,” she said.
Shrestha, a resident of Maitidevi Ghattekulo, has also voted in previous elections. However, she said that she feels more enthusiastic and optimistic in this election. Shrestha mentioned that this time, even within her family, there is varying political opinions.
“We discussed the party and candidates’ agenda within the family for a long time, but I used my discretion in voting,” she said.
Similarly, 19-year-old Sarthak Sangraula, who voted for the first time in the election, expressed excitement at being able to vote and felt that it has made him more responsible.
Sharing his experience with RSS after voting at Ratna Rajya Secondary School in Madhya Baneshwar, Kathmandu Constituency No. 1, he said, “It felt a bit difficult to vote for the first time, and I was unsure about whom to vote for. I hope my vote will be valued and will be good for the country.”
He mentioned that although he discussed with his parents, the final decision was made based on his own discretion.
Manjul Parajuli, 26, also looked very excited while participating in the voting for the first time.
“I think it can be seen on my face, I am very excited. The wounds from recent political events are still fresh. Now the elected leadership must learn a lesson and provide stability to the country,” he said with a smile.
He hoped that political stability will now be established in the country. Parajuli emphasised that the legitimate demands of the Gen Z must be met.
Twenty-four years old Aakriti Sapkota, who voted at the same polling centre, also expressed optimism about this election.
“The candidates this time seem capable. Everyone has already experienced what is right and what is wrong. We hope that what happened before will not be repeated and that our future will be better,” she expressed her optimism.
This is her second voting experience. While she made the decision for the first vote based on her family’s advice, this time she says she made the decision after studying the party’s agenda.
