Whatever the outcome may be, this year's election will be a landmark because it is the first after a long time. It symbolises, for the youth, a movement forward, a small step towards peace and order. It's a responsibility, especially for the youth because this is going to effect our future. We at WAVE are all geared up for it and are ready to face to face the long lines at the voting booths on 10 April. But what do our celebrities think of this election? They've lived through the last elections and some even cast their vote. We questioned them on the change in the last decade in terms of political awareness and opinion.
Participants
Sudin Pokhrel, Singer
Usha Khadgi, Miss Nepal and television personality
Srikrishna Shrestha, Actor
Deepesh Kishore Bhattarai, Singer
Paras Khadka, Cricketer
Malvika Subba, Miss Nepal, television personality
 MALVIKA |
Did you vote in the last election?
Sudin: The last one was my first opportunity to vote. I was excited, but unaware, so I voted for my dad's friend, Mahesh Acharya, who I think later became the first finance minister.
Usha: Yes I did. I was around 18 and wasn't quite interested but went all the way to Birgunj to vote.
Srikrishna: No, I was out of the Valley where I was enlisted concerning work.
Deepesh: I voted. My voting booth was in Lazimpat and I walked all the way there.
Paras: I was too young to vote. I do remember my parents going to vote though.
Malvika: I wasn't eligible to vote so I stayed home and didn't really get involved.
 DEEPESH |
Will you vote this time?
Sudin: I really want to vote but I can't because of work. I'll have to go to Biratnagar and being the supervisor of the sport's department at Kantipur Television and a musician I cannot manage.
Usha: Of course I will. Right now, everything is confusing but I'm in a supportive mood for Nepal.
Srikrishna: For the Constitution Assembly, I think everyone should vote.
Deepesh: It is my responsibility and I will vote this time as well.
Paras: Most probably I will. I want to contribute to the political situation of this country. Who knows, maybe there won't be a chance to vote again later for a very long time. I'm not quite sure that it will happen again.
Malvika: Yes, I will. It is my human right to vote and I think this time the country is moving towards a political revolution in which every Nepali should play a part.
 PARAS |
What would you look for in a political party?
Sudin: A candidate with fresh ideas. Someone broadminded, educated, someone who understands the importance of the youth.
Usha: I have no such criteria, but the party must have a solution to stop this bickering between castes and groups. There are bad problems in the Tarai and I have my family there. I wish the next party could succeed in uniting the country.
Srikrishna: First of all, I think that we have to worry unnecessarily due to petty troubles in Nepal. So a party that focusses on the basic needs of the people and thinks of the country on a long term basis.
Deepesh: I feel that politics in general should have unity. In the end, only one party will win, and the other parties need to be supportive of that party rather than getting stuck in their own ideology and wallowing in jealousy. I think the next party should not only talk but also work. Politicians need to be selfless and not feel hatred if they don't win.
Paras: Mainly, I think that civil unrest should cease in this country. I think that is the worst fate of a country because it shows that the citizens are dissatisfied even within themselves. I think there are too many forums and divisions in the country
Malvika: I want political stability for 10 years. A party shouldn't change every six months. There should be better opportunities for young people so that they don't always try to get away from this country. The coming party should have a plan for five at least years.
 SRIKRISHNA |
Do you think the youth should vote, and be involved in politics?
Sudin: Yes, they should vote. I also think they should be more involved because 35 percent of the country is the youth and someone should stand up and represent them.
Usha: Yes, and it's a matter of worry if they aren't. Interest should be there but I don't think everyone should jump into it blindly.
Srikrishna: Definitely. The youth will bring fresh ideas for a country that is slowly being dominated by the elderly.
Deepesh: Yes, I think the country needs new ideas. The youth are the future and they should be able to decide their own fates.
Paras: I think everyone should vote, but I don't know after that. I think politics doesn't require everyone to be hardcore politicians. Most of us should just do our duties of voting.
Malvika: Young people should be aware of the agendas of parties before they vote. They should know the issues. I don't know if they should be involved in parties and such, but we do want the youth in politics in Nepal.
 SUDIN |
Why do you think the youth are not interested today?
Sudin: Their preconceived notion is that the political situation will always be unstable.
Usha: The parties have made politics seem like a game. No one is willing to take it seriously anymore.
Deepesh: I think this has to do with the fact that this is the first important election after a very long time. They are still unaware about issues and the entire process. They assume that they will get a turn to vote, and be more involved in politics later, but they should start to be involved now.
Paras: I don't think there is an environment for politics at the moment. Everyone thinks that politics involves corruption and shady deals, but that's not always the case. The youth needs to understand that.
Malvika: More than 50 percent of the fault is of the politicians. They aren't inspiring the youth. In a world moving towards globalisation, we're moving back into the Stone Age with no light, no gas and no water.
 USHA |
Do you plan to get involved in politics in the future?
Sudin: I don't think I can because I'm a musician and music isn't related with politics. However, I sometimes wish to become the prime minister of Nepal someday!
Usha: Although looking at the situation, I feel I should be more involved, I don't think I will. Politics is for someone who has passionately followed it from a young age; I wouldn't say I am one of them.
Srikrishna: I like to live in the present and not really think of what the future holds for me. I don't have thoughts yet for what I will do.
Deepesh: No, there is a very low chance for that. Being a politician is a difficult job and I don't think I can handle the responsibility. But I will definitely support a party and vote.
Paras: No, I am not really interested in politics. I don't know for sure, but most probably I will not be involved in politics because it is so dissociated with my career.
Malvika: It's an open option for me now. I haven't really thought about it. I might be involved.
