Elections and the Test of Institutions

Nepal is once again preparing for elections. Although doubts often surface whenever polls are announced, citizens have consistently participated, and elections have always been completed successfully. This reflects the gradual strengthening of the country’s electoral system, particularly the institutional development of the Election Commission, which has demonstrated its ability to conduct polls within the stipulated timeframe. This election, however, carries added significance. President Ram Chandra Paudel announced the date amid unrest following the so-called Gen Z protest and the arson, looting and vandalism carried out under its cover. Voting is scheduled for Thursday. For democracy to endure, institutions—not individuals—must be strong. In Nepal, there has long been an attempt to suggest that electing a single powerful executive would automatically deliver development. Even within the current system, parties have increasingly projected prime ministerial candidates and sought votes in their name. While personality-driven politics is not new, this experiment deserves careful reflection. Democracy must evolve in a way that ensures institutions, rather than individuals, remain accountable.