Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, on Wednesday, highlighted the growing risks that climate change and natural disasters pose to democratic processes, particularly the ability of citizens to exercise their right to vote. Speaking at the inauguration of the 12th conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA), Oli stressed that changing weather patterns, driven by climate change, and the subsequent disasters have the potential to disrupt elections and disenfranchise voters.
Oli pointed out that these issues are not just environmental concerns but are deeply intertwined with the functioning of democracy. “Unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters due to climate change threaten our ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote,” Oli said. “Climate change is not only an issue related to the environment; it touches every facet of our society,” he added.
The two-day conference, held in Kathmandu, focused on the theme “Emerging trend in elections: Climate change, social media, and migration.” Leaders from across South Asia discussed how these critical issues are reshaping election management in their respective countries and how election officials need to adapt to maintain the integrity of democratic processes.
Migration and Its Impact on Voting Rights
Prime Minister Oli also addressed the issue of migration, which he described as a significant factor in election management. The movement of people across and within national borders, often driven by climate-induced displacement, affects voter registration and identification processes, complicating the ability of citizens to participate in elections.
“The movement of people across borders and within our countries has profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote,” Oli said. Migration, fueled by economic and environmental factors, could lead to further challenges in ensuring fair elections, especially as more people are displaced due to natural disasters linked to climate change.
Social Media and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges
In addition to the climate crisis, Oli underscored the changing landscape of political engagement, driven by the rise of social media and artificial intelligence (AI). These technological advancements, while offering new avenues for politicians to connect with voters, also present risks that could undermine democratic institutions.
“Social media and Artificial Intelligence are revolutionizing the way politicians engage with voters and conduct elections,” Oli said. However, he warned about the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, which have the potential to erode public trust in elections.
“As we embrace these technologies, we must do so with caution and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” Oli urged. The manipulation of online platforms to spread false information and influence voter behavior has become a significant concern globally, and South Asian democracies are no exception.
Election Materials and Environmental Responsibility
Nepal’s Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for environmentally friendly practices in election management. He called on political parties to bring attention to the environmental impacts of elections, including the use of sustainable materials and technologies.
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“The governments in South Asia should address the issues of environment and climate change as its impacts are seen in migration of people and the changing voting pattern,” Thapaliya said. He emphasized that the materials used in elections should be sustainable, aligning election processes with broader environmental goals.
FEMBOSA and Regional Cooperation
The FEMBOSA conference serves as a platform for South Asian countries to collaborate on election management and share best practices. During the event, Bhutan’s Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Sonam Tobgay handed over the chairmanship of FEMBOSA to Nepal’s Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya, symbolizing regional unity in addressing shared challenges.
India’s Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas also participated, underscoring how climate change is already impacting election procedures across the region. Vyas reiterated the importance of adapting election strategies to withstand environmental pressures.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, so too does its impact on essential democratic processes like voting. Prime Minister Oli’s call to action highlights the need for election management bodies to stay ahead of these challenges by ensuring that elections remain inclusive, secure, and transparent, even in the face of natural disasters and evolving technological landscapes. The FEMBOSA conference underlined that addressing climate change, migration, and technological threats is critical for the future of democracy in South Asia.
