Nepal, Oct. 26 -- History as political capital is not enough to appeal to the younger generation, who have grown up seeing a democratic republic, federalism and representation as normal. This is true for every traditional party in Nepal and elsewhere. Nepali Congress campaigning on the ideologies of BP Koirala and Pradeep Giri, or on the party's contribution to Nepal's democratic journey alone, does not appeal to today's young people who are anxious about inflation, unemployment and emigration. CPN-UML cannot attract youngsters by simply alluding to Madan Bhandari or Pushpa Lal Shrestha, who may have played significant roles within the party but have little relevance among today's youth.

Similarly, Madhesh-based parties and their leaders...