Election mood calm in 9 districts, Finance Minister cites rising public focus on infrastructure quality

KATHMANDU – Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has been on an intensive district tour to assess election preparedness, the security environment, and adherence to the election code of conduct, reporting an unexpectedly calm and disciplined atmosphere ahead of the upcoming polls.

Khanal, known for regularly visiting rural areas and interacting with local communities even outside formal office schedules, described this round of field visits as a markedly different experience. In a span of four days, he travelled across nine districts and said he had “never before felt Nepal to be this peaceful” during an election season.

“This time I had a remarkable experience. There is unprecedented harmony. Verbal abuse is virtually zero,” Khanal said while sharing his observations. According to him, election-related activities are visible across villages and towns, with candidates busy in public outreach, while the overall security situation has strengthened and morale among stakeholders appears to be improving.

As part of his monitoring, Khanal visited Gorkha, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Baglung, Rukum East, Rukum West, and Jajarkot. These districts include constituencies where high-profile political figures — from former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to controversial local strongman-turned-candidate Milan Chakre — are contesting, making them politically sensitive areas.

Despite this, he reported an absence of violence or even minor confrontations. “While attending election events, I even saw rival candidates unexpectedly meet, exchange greetings warmly, have tea together, and go their separate ways,” Khanal noted, highlighting what he sees as a shift in political culture on the ground.

The country is currently in full election mode ahead of the February 21 polls, with central leaders increasingly engaged in their respective constituencies. However, the tone of political campaigning appears to have changed significantly compared to past elections.

The election is being held in the aftermath of the Gen Z-led civic movement that had earlier triggered a major political shift. That movement’s core demands centered on a corruption-free state and governance reform, following nationwide protests on Bhadra 23 and 24 (Nepali calendar) that ultimately led to a change in power.

Political leaders, who in previous elections often made ambitious promises ranging from metro rail systems and waterway transport to flyovers and 25,000 megawatts of electricity generation, are now seen focusing more on good governance and accountability. Public discourse at the grassroots level has also elevated governance as a primary issue.

Based on his interactions with locals, Khanal said people’s expectations combine development and infrastructure expansion with strong calls for governance reform. “Good governance is definitely a key demand. In the districts I visited, people raised questions particularly about road access and the quality of infrastructure,” he said.

He added that feedback from the ground suggests this election is unlikely to witness physical clashes. This assessment carries weight given earlier security concerns. During the Gen Z movement, hundreds of detainees had reportedly escaped, weapons were looted, and the morale of security forces had declined, leading authorities to treat security risks as a major challenge.

However, in the constituencies Khanal visited, no formal complaints of code-of-conduct violations have been filed with election offices. Only one verbal complaint was reported in Gorkha, and according to him, the candidate concerned did not repeat the mistake after the issue was raised.

Law enforcement agencies, local administrations, and citizens themselves are actively monitoring compliance with election rules. Khanal observed that even public squares and marketplaces previously known as drinking hubs appeared unusually calm this time.

“What surprised me most was that places usually crowded with people drinking alcohol were empty,” he said. “Based on the situation so far, the conclusion is that this election is likely to be historically peaceful.”