Political parties make ilam by-election a prestige issue

Although the result of the by-election to the House of Representatives in Ilam-2 will not make any meaningful difference in the strength of parties in the federal parliament, the major political parties have made it an issue of prestige. It is evident from the frequent visits of Ilam-2 by the top leaders of almost all parties. Obviously, the election result matters to only the CPN-UML- either it retains its seat or loses, probably to the NC, but it will make no difference in the formation or fall of the government. If NC wins, it will make up the seat it lost in Tanahun by-election last year. Hence, it will not make any big difference in the strength of parties in the parliament formed 16 months ago.

Yet, the leaders have made it an issue of prestige. While the NC and UML look like the main contenders in the election, the Rastriya Swatantra Party and independent candidate Dakendra Singh Thegim, who is backed by pro-identify groups, will also collect good votes. Moreover, RSP candidates Milan Limbu and Thegim will cut only the votes of UML's Suhang Nembang and NC's Dambar Khadka. If they cut more votes of

UML, the NC candidate will win, and if they cut NC's votes, Nembang will win.

As both UML and NC are traditionally popular in Ilam, other parties cannot win elections here. Even in the 2008 Constituent Assembly poll, the Maoist Centre failed to win the election in Ilam while it won in other districts. Still, the UML, NC and even RSP have given high importance to the election. RSP chair Lamichhane, vice chair Swarnim Wagle, ministers and others have been in Ilam while NC general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has been staying in Ilam for the election. Another general secretary Gagan Thapa reached Ilam twice and NC leader Sherkhar Koirala addressed an election rally on Tuesday while leader Pradip Paudel also reached Ilam. Likewise, CPN-UML chairman Oli also reached Ilam twice and addressed the election rallies. Other UML leaders like Pradip Gyawali have also visited Ilam. Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang too has been to Ilam asking votes for Thegim. The importance given by top leaders to the Ilam election has made it a mini-referendum, which could be a base for the parties to prepare for the 2084 general elections.