President urges PM, top party leaders to ensure poll success

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 24: A major political breakthrough on Tuesday has paved the way for holding the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives.

When only 71 days are left for the March 5, 2026, elections, President Ramchandra Paudel brought Prime Minister Sushila Karki and the top leaders of three major political parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party—together to discuss the issues of elections. 

In the meeting held in the presence of President Paudel, the top leaders have reached an agreement to create a conducive environment for holding the upcoming elections, informed the President's Press Advisor, Kiran Pokharel, after the meeting.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” reached the Office of the President for the meeting with Prime Minister Karki.

It was the first meeting of UML Chair Oli and NC boss Deuba with Prime Minister Karki after the formation of the present interim government. 

Former Prime Minister Oli, who was ousted following the Gen Z movement on 8–9 September, had previously been critical of the government, alleging that it was formed under the influence of foreign powers. However, his participation in the meeting with the President and the Prime Minister suggests that CPN-UML is also preparing for the elections, despite the ongoing writ petition regarding the revival of parliament in the Supreme Court.

According to Pokharel, it was also agreed that detailed discussions would take place in Baluwatar to further prepare for the elections.

“The election has been announced to address the serious and sensitive situation in the country. In light of this, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the success of the election,” said President Paudel during the meeting.

Stating that the election is the most appropriate solution to the current complex situation, President Paudel urged the top leaders of the three main political parties, including the Prime Minister, to ensure the success of the upcoming House of Representatives election, scheduled for  March 5, 2026. 

With the Gen-Z movement probe committee planning to summon former home minister Ramesh Lekhak and Oli in the coming weeks, the meeting is being viewed as a crucial step towards holding the election. As Oli has been reluctant to appear before the probe committee for questioning, the discussion is also seen as an important move towards building political consensus.

Sher Bahadur Deuba and the Nepali Congress have already announced, through a central committee meeting, that they will participate in the election. Prachanda and the Nepali Communist Party are also preparing to contest the polls.

At this pivotal stage in the search for a political resolution, the meeting is widely regarded as a significant step towards ensuring the March 5 election takes place successfully.