How is Nepal Politics and COVID-19 Taking a Toll in Nepal?

Like all countries in the world, Nepal politics is affected by the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has underscored the many issues plaguing the country. 

 

Among the most recent major developments happened in May this year, when Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli ordered snap elections to be held on November 12 and 19, almost two years before the five-year term of the parliament is due to expire. The prime minister also dissolved the House of Representatives after the recommendation of the council of ministers. 

 

How is this decision affecting a country that is still in the midst of battling against COVID-19?

 

Fear arose right after the announcement of Prime Minister Oli. Many people were afraid that the pandemic situation in the country would worsen because of this turmoil in Nepal politics. At that time, hospitals were running out of oxygen and beds. The death toll was on the rise and mass cremations were happening in many parts of the country.

 

Critics say that the country is suffering because leaders and authorities have shifted their focus on Nepal politics instead of looking for solutions to end the health crisis. And many agreed that dissolving the parliament and holding elections earlier won’t help. 

 

In fact, the announcement angered many Nepalis who brought their dismay to social media. The #NoVaccineNoVote trended on Twitter. Social media users called for effective pandemic responses rather than fresh elections. 

 

Healthcare workers were also quick to express their concern, saying that the political turmoil could further hamper their battle against the pandemic. There were also small protests around Pokhara and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Activists burned effigies of Oli and held torchlights as demonstrations as signs of protests.

 

Politics play a key role in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is true that politician cannot eradicate the virus or cure patients, their decisions can help safeguard people from the devastation of the health crisis. If they put their attention on pandemic response and create evidence-informed policies, the nation can recover sooner.