Promise For Fair Polls

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reiterated her commitment that the interim government formed based on the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9 will hold the election to the House of Representatives on the scheduled date of March 5, 2026. Amid speculations about whether the government can hold the election, the Prime Minister has sent a clear message to the international community during a briefing to the heads of the Kathmandu-based missions and representatives of the diplomatic community and development partners that the government has a sole and non-negotiable mandate to hold a free, fair, and impartial election to the House of Representatives on March 5 next year. She also reminded them that her term as Prime Minister is only six months, and she will hand over power peacefully to the democratically elected government. 

In the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, the Prime Minister, who is also looking after the Foreign Affairs portfolio, also briefed clearly on the background and circumstances that culminated in the formation of the present government led by her. Stating that the Gen-Z movement was driven by the demand for transparency and accountability, the Prime Minister said that the movement emerged as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to listen, respond, reform, and deliver. She also said that the uprising has reflected people’s profound aspiration for good governance, economic opportunity, and integrity in public life. Articulating the message of the movement that there is no room for complacency, she stressed the need to deliver as per the aspirations of the youth.

Moreover, the Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to multiparty democracy, terming it the cornerstone of Nepal's political system. Of course, what the Prime Minister told the Kathmandu-based diplomats on Friday was a reaffirmation of Nepal's commitment to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions by giving a way out to the current political crisis through a timely election. When the Prime Minister has tried her best to convince the international community that the interim government is committed to a democratic system and holding the election within the scheduled time, there is no need to suspect the government of its motives. 

The political parties, which fought for democracy in the past, should cooperate with the government to hold the election to the House of Representatives instead of spreading conspiracy theories and trying to spoil the election environment. It is sad that the CPN-UML and its chairman, KP Sharma Oli, who was ousted from power by the Gen-Z movement, decided the other day not to contest the March 5 election. Instead, they decided to initiate a process for the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, forgetting that Oli had dissolved the House twice in December 2020 and May 2021 because of an internal rift in his party. 

But this time, a decisive movement by the youth demanded for the dissolution of the House to form the interim government and let it function smoothly. Only a new parliament can address the problems that led to the fall of the powerful government of two parties and the dissolution of the House. Opposing the election or spoiling the election environment will only extend the transitional phase, thereby inviting other crises. As such, all political parties and civil society should cooperate with the government to hold the polls and rid the country from the present uncertainties. The Prime Minister's briefing to the diplomats is also directed to get support to hold the elections on time.