In Nepal, the National Democracy Institute and the Nepali Election Commission initiated a project that uses street theater to encourage election participation and responsible voting.
Project Clean and Conscious Voter
They created Project Clean and Conscious Voter for the May 1999 elections to address and prevent issues in the voting process. Since democracy was restored in Nepal in 1990, elections have taken place regularly and are considered generally free and fair by observers. However, politicians often offer citizens gifts in exchange for votes, and, as in other countries, voters may fail to critically assess candidates before voting.
Educating Communities Through Local Performances
The project uses street dramas created with local artists and activists to focus on ethical and informed voting. The performances educate people on democratic processes, the electoral system, and challenges they might face in voting. With limited entertainment in rural Nepal, street dramas offer a fun, low-cost way to educate both literate and illiterate people.
Reaching Future Voters and Reinforcing Key Messages
The performances target entire families, including young people who will eventually vote. After each 45-minute show, the theater group holds a 10-minute street seminar to reinforce the performance’s main message. An estimated 30,000 Nepalis attended these performances.
The street theater approach in Nepal’s Project Clean and Conscious Voter shows how culturally relevant, accessible methods can engage communities in social issues. This tactic demonstrates that education doesn’t always require formal settings—interactive, locally adapted performances can be powerful tools for raising awareness and inspiring action. Such methods are particularly effective in communities with limited access to media or literacy challenges, as they use storytelling to make complex ideas relatable and memorable. This approach could be adapted to address various topics like health awareness, environmental protection, or civic rights, creating accessible avenues for education and empowerment across different cultures and regions.
New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.
