ABSTRACT

Post-war political transitions may open up opportunities to advance the political participation of marginalised and disadvantaged groups. In Nepal, after a decade-long armed conflict, representation of disadvantaged groups in parliament has increased significantly through a parallel mixed, first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional (PR), electoral system. However, economic and political subordination of marginalised groups in the parliament has continued. This article analyses one of the mechanisms through which this has occurred, showing how the allocation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) had a negative impact on political inclusion. The exclusive provision of the CDF to FPTP MPs, mostly men from privileged groups, allowed them to strengthen their patronage networks. Voters saw FPTP MPs as delivering development, while considering PR MPs weak. As a result, PR MPs, which account for the vast majority of MPs from disadvantaged groups, had limited opportunities to strengthen their position within political parties. Finally, the CDF hindered the implementation of the new federal system and endorsed a centralised mentality, with a negative impact on the agenda for inclusion.

摘要

战后的政治转型可能为促进边缘化和弱势群体的政治参与创造机会。在尼泊尔，经过长达十年的武装冲突后，弱势群体在议会中的代表人数通过平行的混合选举制度（FPTP）和比例（PR）选举制度显着增加。然而，议会中边缘化群体的经济和政治从属地位仍在继续。本文分析了发生这种情况的机制之一，展示了选区发展基金 (CDF) 的分配如何对政治包容产生负面影响。CDF 独家提供给 FPTP 议员，主要是来自特权群体的男性，使他们能够加强他们的赞助网络。选民将 FPTP 议员视为提供发展，同时考虑到公关议员很弱。因此，占弱势群体议员绝大多数的公关议员，加强其在政党中的地位的机会有限。最后，CDF 阻碍了新联邦制度的实施，并认可了一种集中的心态，对纳入议程产生了负面影响。