Saturday, April 23, 2011

Get Ready to Rock the Vote

The Election Commission of Nepal is firing on all throttles to register voters throughout the country. This is one of the key times for the Nepali youth to take charge through the democratic process. It is in our best interest to register and get others to register in order to make sure that our voices are heard. It is time to say enough!

There is a seismic wave building in the youth population of Nepal. This energy is evident on Facebook, Twitter, local newspapers and blogs. There is actually a movement (http://www.facebook.com/retirethenetas) on Facebook to “Retire the Netas.”  Recently there was a Facebook movement to sign a letter to the Supreme Court condoning their actions against corruption. This energy can be fruitful only if it can be translated into grassroots organization and movement. These frustrations expressed on the web and print media is shared by almost all the past and present generations who have been denied prosperity and a decent outlook into the future! It is important to galvanize this sentiment amongst the youth to coalesce around the common dream of an opportunity to succeed—an opportunity to be able to compete with fellow generations of other countries in the globalized world of the twenty first century. The Nepali youth know that they are as good as any Briton, American, European, or Australian. They know, if given a chance, they too can advance and prosper.

This sentiment will give rise to a stronger and organized movement. Then the focus should be on having new individuals contest in the next election from as many constituencies as possible. All these possibilities, however, start by making sure that everyone is registered to vote. Young aspiring leaders should engage in this process. The e-generation, especially the  young entrepreneurs and business professionals should support the young leaders and help them put up a decent fight--this could be in the form of financial support, local campaigns, Facebook and Twitter campaigns, etc. Get creative and help in any way that you can.

I, for one, am going to do my part. Are you?

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