KATHMANDU: Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has said that the upcoming election serves as an opportunity to further strengthen democratic practices in the country.

Addressing the fifth anniversary of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission here today, the Vice President was of the view that election provides citizens a vital platform to express and exercise their rights. He stated that through elections, Nepali citizens exercise their franchise and help determine state policies, emphasizing that such an opportunity should not be missed.

He added that elections help keep democracy alive by institutionalizing inclusive practices and strengthening the federal democratic system. According to him, the meaningful participation of all communities, including indigenous nationalities, is essential to ensure the success of the election.

Vice President Yadav also advised the Commission to take further initiatives to guarantee indigenous nationalities’ access to resources, ensure their participation at the policy-making level, and engage them in a just development process. He stressed that the relevance of inclusive democracy can only be proven when every citizen feels dignity in their self-identity and enjoys guaranteed rights.

He further said that constitutional bodies like the Commission have a significant role to play in building an equitable society.

On the occasion, Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar presented the Commission’s progress report, suggesting that the access of indigenous nationalities to state bodies remains very weak. He expressed concern that less than 10 percent of the Commission’s recommendations made at different times have been implemented. He stressed the urgent need to introduce and implement special policies and laws to promote equitable participation and representation of indigenous nationalities in state bodies.

The Commission reported that it has launched exemplary initiatives by collaborating closely with indigenous nationalities in the implementation of various programmes. In acknowledgment of these efforts, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality of Khotang was recognized for designing and implementing an academic curriculum on indigenous nationalities up to the bachelor’s level.

On the same occasion, Dr Pasang Dolma Sherpa was honored for her significant contributions to promotion of the voices, causes and rights of indigenous nationalities.