Elections are often viewed through the lens of political discourse, manifestos, and public debates. However, beyond the ballots and the rhetoric, there’s a significant, often overlooked, economic engine humming in the background. With the upcoming elections, Nepal is poised for an immediate injection of an estimated Rs. 150 billion into its national economy, and the tangible signs of this economic boost are already manifesting across the country.
Take, for instance, a bustling café in Bardaghat of Nawalparasi (West). The owner, who has been running the establishment for years, beams as she describes the last four weeks. “Business has been incredible,” she shares. “Campaign teams, party workers, volunteers – they’re all frequenting our place, grabbing quick meals, coffee, and even hosting small meetings. We’ve had to hire extra staff and order more supplies just to keep up with the demand.” This isn’t an isolated incident; similar stories are emerging from small tea stalls in remote villages to grand hotels in metropolitan areas.
The estimated Rs. 150 billion isn’t just a statistic; it represents a substantial financial circulation that directly benefits countless small and medium-sized enterprises. This massive spending spree translates into increased demand across a myriad of sectors:
- Food & Beverage: Like the café in Bardaghat, restaurants, local eateries, and caterers witness a significant spike in orders as campaign activities intensify.
- Transportation: Vehicles are hired, fuel consumption rises, and local drivers find more consistent work ferrying candidates and their entourages across constituencies.
- Printing & Advertising: The demand for banners, posters, flyers, pamphlets, and digital advertising material leads to a boom for printing presses and media houses.
- Labor: From temporary campaign managers and volunteers to cooks, cleaners, security personnel, and event organizers, temporary employment opportunities surge.
- Logistics & Supplies: Tents, chairs, sound systems, flags, party-branded merchandise, and various other campaign paraphernalia are in high demand, benefiting suppliers and logistics providers.
This substantial investment, encompassing both official party expenditures and grassroots spending, circulates rapidly through the economy. It puts money directly into the hands of ordinary citizens – be it a vendor selling flags, a driver ferrying politicians, or a chef cooking for a rally – who then spend it on their daily needs, further stimulating local markets and creating a ripple effect. While the long-term political ramifications of elections are a subject of ongoing debate, the short-term economic stimulus is an undeniable reality that injects vitality into various sectors.
So, while political debates rage and candidates vie for votes, it’s worth acknowledging the quiet, yet powerful, hum of economic activity that accompanies every election cycle. For many Nepalis, this estimated Rs. 150 billion isn’t merely a political expenditure; it’s a tangible, immediate boost that ripples through communities, from the smallest café in Bardaghat to the bustling markets of Kathmandu. It’s a vivid reminder that even democracy, in its operational phase, plays a vital role in fueling the nation’s economy.
Source: Original Article
