PM reaffirms commitment to timely polls

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 3: Chief Ministers of all seven provinces expressed their readiness to cooperate with the federal government in creating a conducive environment to hold elections to the House of Representatives on March 5, 2026 During a meeting with Prime Minister Sushila Karki in Baluwatar on Sunday, they appreciated Prime Minister Karki’s efforts to advance dialogue and consultations with political parties and all concerned stakeholders to create an election-friendly environment in the country. 

The chief ministers voiced their belief that such initiatives would be fruitful in building a positive atmosphere for the elections, according to a statement issued by the PM's Office Sunday evening.

They noted that maintaining peace and security remains the major challenge for the elections and stressed the need for serious commitment in this regard. They further remarked that, with mutual cooperation, coordination, and a spirit of coexistence among the federal, provincial, and local governments, elections could be successfully held on the scheduled date.

“I represent the CPN-UML. We are not against elections. However, the federal government should take the lead in creating a conducive environment for the polls and must not forget our role in it. The only way forward now is through elections,” said Yam Lal Kandel, Chief Minister of Karnali. 

The chief ministers suggested that the federal government should introduce a special package for the reconstruction of structures damaged during the Gen-Z movement.

"They also expressed concern that the federal government’s recent circular on expenditure reduction appeared to interfere with the jurisdiction of the provincial governments," read the statement.

The circular has directed that no ministry may appoint more assistants or advisers than permitted by law and that all projects worth over Rs. 1 million must go through a mandatory competitive bidding process.

Some chief ministers also voiced suspicion that, while the government formed after the Gen-Z movement had failed to undertake judicial and administrative reforms, the circular seemed targeted mainly at limiting the facilities of provincial political office holders.

Chief Minister of Madhes Province, Jitendra Prasad Sonar, called for the announcement of relief measures for farmers affected by droughts and excessive rainfall.

Likewise, the chief ministers also drew attention to the federal government’s decision to disconnect electricity lines of industries failing to clear their dues for dedicated feeders, noting that such a move would negatively impact industries, workers, and government revenue.

Prime Minister Karki said that as political parties are the custodians of the current system, the government is eager to hold elections at the earliest and transfer power to a party-based government.