Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has said that although political parties have improved the quality of their election manifestos compared to previous elections, ambitious commitments cannot be fulfilled without structural reform.
Improved Election Manifestos Reflect Growing Public Expectations
Writing on social media on Friday, Baburam Bhattarai said rising public expectations, particularly among young people, have influenced both established and new political parties to refine their election manifestos. He said the current manifestos appear clearer and more goal-oriented than in the past.
He stated that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has presented its agenda in a relatively concise and clear manner, describing it as a positive development. However, he stressed that ambitious targets outlined in election manifestos must go beyond written commitments.
Recalling his tenure as Finance Minister during the fiscal year 2008/09, Bhattarai reiterated his long-standing position that Nepal must achieve sustained double-digit economic growth for two consecutive decades to address youth unemployment and drive meaningful economic transformation.
Structural Reform Necessary for Stability and Economic Transformation
According to Bhattarai, the primary obstacle lies not in ambition but in structural limitations. He said structural reform is an essential precondition for implementing election manifesto commitments.
He proposed that long-term political stability requires a directly elected executive system and a fully proportional parliamentary structure. Externally, he said Nepal must position itself as a dynamic bridge between the two major neighboring economies to accelerate economic growth.
Election Risks Becoming Procedural Without Reform Mandate
Without structural reform, Bhattarai warned, even well-drafted election manifestos risk remaining unimplemented. He said promises alone cannot deliver prosperity.
He described it as regrettable that major political parties remain silent or opposed to discussions on governance reform. However, he expressed cautious hope that the Rastriya Swatantra Party has at least raised these issues.
He concluded that only a clear electoral mandate for structural reform can move Nepal toward lasting prosperity, warning that otherwise the election may become procedural rather than transformative.
