Focus On Timely Elections

This year, Constitution Day was marked across the nation with a new commitment to revive the nation by addressing the demands of the Gen Z protestors. Separate prgrammes were organised in Tundikhel and Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu, to mark the national day. However, the programmes were organised in a limited manner, as there was a huge loss of life and property in the country as a result of the protest. Major buildings of the executive, legislature and judiciary were set on fire leaving them unusable immediately. The interim government constituted following the protest of September 8 and 9 was formed with a clear mandate to hold fresh elections of the House of Representatives.

Prime Minister of the interim government Sushila Karki has described the nationwide demonstrations led by Gen Z youth as a representation of the young generation’s aspirations, growing civic consciousness of the people, and widespread frustration due to entrenched corruption in the country. Definitely, the protest was a result of chronic shortcomings in governance and development, which combined with unfulfilled expectations of ordinary people to fuel the movement.

Clarifying her role, PM Karki stated she assumed the premiership not out of personal ambition but in response to the nation’s crisis and the call of the youth. She reaffirmed that her interim government would manage the transition and hand over power to an elected government within six months, following parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The interim government, here and elsewhere, has a mandate to hold scheduled elections and hand over the power to the elected government by bringing the transition to an end. And the election is the only acceptable means to end the transition smoothly. For this purpose, the government should be able to garner support from major political parties, civil society and the general public. Wide participation of the people will enhance the validity of the electoral process. Legitimacy counts to a great extent during and after the election. 

Highlighting the challenges ahead, PM Karki has acknowledged the need to rebuild damaged public infrastructure and recover from the economic losses inflicted during the protests. She has emphasized boosting private sector morale and holding elections in time. She has called upon the youth, political parties, civil servants, the business community, development partners, and citizens at large to participate in a “national reconstruction and development campaign.”

PM Karki has underlined persistent governance challenges, and stressed on equal access to services, transparency, corruption control, optimising resources and technology, cost-effectiveness in public services, and guaranteeing development outcomes. Meeting these challenges calls initiatives not only from government but also from the private sector, civil society, community and non-governmental actors, international community, and the citizens.

The Prime Minister's remarks have generated hopes among the people at a time when the nation's legitimate process has experienced a snag in the absence of fully functional civil service, police and security forces, which represent the state among the people. So, holding elections on time and conducting them in a free and fearless environment should be the primary agenda of the present government. In view of this, the present government faces significant challenges as well as opportunities to steer the nation clear of the crisis it has encountered.