Doti, February 10
Youths from Saipal Rural Municipality in Bajhang have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding six days of public holiday during the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21.
They have called for public holidays from Falgun 18 to 23 to help increase voter participation. The youths also sent the memorandum via email to Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
“The House of Representatives election is not merely an administrative task but a historic national festival that shapes the country’s destiny and strengthens the spirit of democracy,” the memorandum states. “It is the day when citizens’ voices are expressed through the ballot. Therefore, it is the state’s highest responsibility to make the election accessible and widely participatory.”
The memorandum argues that public holidays should be declared nationwide on Falgun 18 and 19 due to Holi celebrations in the hills and the Tarai, respectively. It also proposes a holiday on Falgun 20 as the day before the election, while Falgun 21 is already an election-day public holiday. As Falgun 22 falls on a Friday, they have requested time for people to return to their destinations, and Falgun 23 is a Saturday.
Saipal youth Sajan Bohara said the government should officially declare Falgun 20 and 22 as public holidays, as the remaining days already fall on public holidays. He added that a continuous holiday period would allow people working away from home to return and cast their votes.
Bohara emphasized that the government should consider Nepal’s geography, transportation conditions, employment patterns and diverse professions while making such a decision.
“Although it may not be possible to immediately arrange voting for Nepalis living abroad, the government should at least ensure a voting environment for those within the country,” Bohara said, adding that this would significantly increase nationwide voter turnout.
