Parties outline foreign policy priorities in their election manifestos
Nepal’s major parties have highlighted distinct foreign policy visions in their election manifestos. CPN-UML focuses on sovereign equality, independence, and peaceful relations with all nations, pledging stronger ties with neighbors, labor agreements, foreign investment, and job creation.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) advocates “balanced and dynamic diplomacy,” aiming to turn Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge” through strategic partnerships with India and China, enhanced connectivity, and development cooperation. Nepali Congress (NC) envisions a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified Nepal, promoting equality, mutual respect, and economic partnerships, while raising Nepal’s global profile through iconic symbols.
In its election manifesto, UML has said that it is committed to a foreign policy based on respect for sovereign equality, independence, and territorial integrity, and grounded in world peace, coexistence, and friendship with all. The document says: “We maintain respectful relations with all nations. We respect the sovereignty and independence of all countries and expect similar treatment from others. We believe in sovereign equality. We reject any encroachment or interference against the independence, self-determination, and territorial integrity of any nation.”
It also emphasizes the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, non-interference, mutual understanding, cooperation, and the Five Principles (Panchsheel). According to the manifesto, the party stands firmly against war and in favor of world peace.
The document further says: “We will participate in all efforts inspired by dialogue and goodwill and make thoughtful contributions. Enhancing the dignity and pride of Nepal and the Nepali people is our objective.”
The UML also pledges to continuously strive to further strengthen relations with our neighboring friendly countries, make them more cordial, and enhance mutual cooperation. It reaffirms commitment to the principle of “friendship with all, enmity with none”. “We do not wish harm to any of our neighbors and will not undertake any action that would harm them. We will cooperate with all friendly nations and with international and regional organizations.”
To effectively promote labor diplomacy, the party promises to conclude bilateral labor agreements with all destination countries, including provisions for social security. The party manifesto also pledges to promote foreign direct investment in productive sectors and increase employment opportunities within Nepal.
Meanwhile, RSP has emphasized balanced and dynamic diplomacy in its election manifesto.
The document says: “Placing Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interest above all, we will adopt a “balanced and dynamic diplomacy” to transform shifting global geopolitics and the rise of neighboring powers into opportunities for Nepal’s development.”
It also pledges to adapt to the strategic interests of neighboring countries and changes in the global balance of power to transform Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge,” ensuring national interest through trilateral economic partnerships and enhanced connectivity.
The manifesto says that the party will renew the framework of development partnership with India, so that Nepal can benefit from their achievements in the areas such as digital public infrastructure, high-speed, high-quality physical infrastructure, formalization of economy, synergy between productive industries and the service sector, and overall enhancement of state capacity.
With China, RSP pledges to promote the mobilization of concessional financing for the construction of world-class infrastructure, implement state-directed targets and programs for economic and social development, and incorporate exemplary practices of inter-provincial competition as key pillars of partnership.
In its election manifesto Nepali Congress (NC) says: “We envision Nepal will be recognized by the international community as a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified nation.” According to the document Nepal’s foreign policy will be grounded in national interest and the principle of sovereign equality. The party states: “Our relationships with neighboring and friendly countries will be based on equality and mutual respect, and such relations will be advanced on the foundation of mutual trust and economic partnership.”
The NC manifesto also promises to make Nepal known to the world as a responsible and respected member, along with national heritages like Mount Everest, Lumbini, Pashupatinath, and Janaki.
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UML unveils its election manifesto
The CPN-UML has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives.
Chairman KP Sharma Oli unveiled the party's Election Manifesto-2082BS at the 'Desh Pahila (Country First)' program, organized by the UML Central Election Mobilization Committee.
The manifesto includes the party's commitments by setting specific goals.
The UML has said that the victory is essential to fulfill the slogan 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis: National Aspiration is Our Destination'.
The UML has given main importance to good governance, development, employment, and social justice which were initiated when the party was in the government, but could not be completed.
The manifesto has highlighted 11 immediate tasks, five fundamental tasks, and 25 pledges.
Addressing the program, Chairman Oli claimed that the UML, with the determination to build rather than destroy and burn the state institutions, would lead the work of transforming the face of the country, based on the party's past experiences and practices.
He clarified that the UML has always been steadfast in support of independence and nationalism and stated that they would not focus on populism or stunts.
