Opinion | Diversity deficit
Summary
Nepal's upcoming elections reveal significant underrepresentation of marginalized groups, notably Dalits and indigenous populations, in direct candidate lists, highlighting systemic exclusion by political parties.
Key Points
- Nepali political parties have largely excluded Dalit candidates, who make up 13.4% of Nepal's population, from direct elections ahead of March 5.
- Women candidates are significantly underrepresented in the First-Past-The-Post electoral lists across major parties, failing to meet Election Commission directives.
- Indigenous groups like the Chepangs remain politically invisible despite constitutional guarantees for equality and inclusion.
- Political parties use proportional representation to marginalize minority candidates from direct electoral competition, maintaining male elite dominance.
