Many women who were elected as people’s representatives in the previous election have become aspirants for higher positions as the local elections approach.
However, there is one factor that prevents them from running for office: the high cost of an election.
Many of them are reconsidering their decision, as the concerned political parties have stated that even contesting for the position of ward chair would cost Rs 2 million to Rs 2.5 million. “If I get a ticket, I am confident that I will win the election.” “However, I am unable to sell my home in order to fund elections,” said Yamuna Acharya, a member of Birtamod Municipality-6.
Furthermore, Acharya stated that political parties are hesitant to nominate women for election because they lack financial resources.
Pavitra Koirala Dhungana, a member of the same municipality’s ward 5, says she is confident in winning the people’s hearts and being re-elected, but political parties have prioritized money, causing frustration. “We will win the election if parties give tickets only to capable candidates without regard for money,” says Koirala.
Similarly, Bhavana Acharya, award 9 members, stated, “If my husband has to run for office, he can sell his property and spend whatever he wants,” but “we don’t have that right, and we also can’t run for office by borrowing.”
She claims that women are financially reliant on others to run for office. Women now fear that if they are not given tickets based on their ability and contribution to politics rather than on their financial status, they will be excluded from politics.
They also claimed that political corruption was rampant as a result of the high cost of elections. The deputy mayors of Mechinagar, Birtamod, Bhadrapur, and Damak municipalities, as well as the deputy mayors of Buddhashanti rural municipality, are said to be interested in running for Mayor in the upcoming election in the Jhapa district.
