NC's Pragmatic Decision

Putting its ambivalent position on the upcoming election to rest, the Nepali Congress has formally decided to participate in it.  The NC’s decision to join the poll fray came at a time when it had been stuck in a debate over whether it should hold a regular convention or a special convention prior to the general elections. In the aftermath of the Gen Z revolt on September 8 and 9, Nepali political parties have undergone fresh discourse on the leadership transfer.  This is why a significant number of NC stalwarts have been advocating for a special convention to address the ongoing political crisis precipitated by the Gen Z movement. However, its decision to participate in the elections slated for March next year is rational given that this will help build an atmosphere conducive to conducting polls in a free and peaceful manner. 

Unveiling its decision on Saturday, the NC spokesman, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, noted that the elections would serve two purposes simultaneously- on one hand, it will resolve the current political impasse and, on the other, this will create ground to meet the demand for change voiced by the Gen Zers.  A day after the decision to join the election fray, the NC also registered with the Election Commission for the National Assembly election, scheduled for January 25, 2026, and the House of Representatives election, set for March 5, 2026. Contrary to the NC’s clear stance, the CPN-UML has stood against the elections and gone to the Supreme Court to restore the dissolved House of Representatives. The UML has also launched the protests against the present government formed on the strength of the Gen Z movement. 

In view of the changing political landscape, the NC has expressed a commitment to addressing the demands of Gen Z youths, such as good governance, transparency, and the right to information.  The largest party in the dissolved House has preferred to hold a multi-party national dialogue involving political parties, civil society, Gen-Z representatives, business leaders, intellectuals and the media to forge a consensus on reforms and to steer the country towards stability. This is indeed a sane move to take all important stakeholders into confidence at a time of uncertainty and confusion. In a democratic polity, the viewpoints of all forces are important to find a win-win solution to the deadlock. The NC approach to the current political climate is pragmatic, but it needs to step up to the plate and build trust and solidarity so that a credible solution is within reach. 

This is a time to demonstrate restraint, patience and wisdom. The Gen Z revolt has delivered a powerful message to the nation: end corruption, ensure stability and bring prosperity to all people. The attempts to vilify the gains of the Gen Z movement will take the nation nowhere. It took place against the backdrop of entrenched corruption, misrule, unemployment and chronic instability. The major political parties failed to fulfill the people's aspirations. They instead indulged in corruption, nepotism and favouritism and lost touch with the common people. Now the dreams of Gen Z youths should be realised through the means of elections and constitutional reforms. So it is the responsibility of all to contribute to generating an appropriate environment for the elections while paying heed to the clarion call of the Gen Zers.