Beyond quotas
Nepal’s constitution and election laws require parties to ensure representation of women and various marginalised groups, particularly through the proportional representation list. However, activists point out that in previous elections, a large share of directly elected seats remained dominated by established male leaders from a few social backgrounds, while many candidates from under-represented groups were placed low on party lists or in unwinnable constituencies.
Ahead of the March 5 polls, advocacy networks and watchdog organisations are tracking how many women and members of Dalit, Madhesi, Muslim, Janajati and remote-region communities are placed in realistic positions on party lists. They are also monitoring whether party leadership bodies and campaign decision-making teams reflect similar diversity.
The debate on inclusion is closely tied to voter trust. Supporters argue that a parliament which more closely reflects Nepal’s social mosaic is better placed to respond to grievances and reduce feelings of exclusion that can fuel instability. Critics caution that tokenistic nominations without genuine power-sharing may deepen cynicism rather than address it.