Minister Kharel meets top party leaders, vows timely polls

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 27: Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, on Friday separately met the top leaders of Nepal’s three major political parties, including Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP). 

During the meeting, the Minister and the leaders discussed the preparations made for the upcoming elections, scheduled for March 5, 2026, Minister Kharel informed the media after the meeting. 

 Friday's meetings are expected to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

Minister Kharel met Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at their residences.

Following the meetings, Minister Kharel informed that the elections would proceed as planned, with all political parties participating.

Minister Kharel informed the media that the government was actively engaging in ongoing discussions with political parties, driven by a strong desire and determination to hold the election to the House of Representatives on the scheduled date. He highlighted that the government had taken steps to create the necessary environment for the election, including visiting the leaders of various political parties both collectively and individually to ensure the election was held smoothly.

"The government is taking proactive steps to ensure a favourable environment for the election. The top leaders of the three major parties have made it clear that the election must be held," said Kharel. "Therefore, the election will be held timely, and all parties will participate. On behalf of the Nepali Congress, President Deuba has said that the priority is the election, not the restoration of the parliament. NCP Coordinator Prachanda has reiterated that there is no alternative to the election, and UML chair Oli has also expressed support for creating an environment conducive to the election," 

he added

During his meeting with Prachanda, Minister Kharel informed that Prime Minister Sushila Karki was also actively promoting political discussions. 

Prachanda, he added, reiterated that elections must be held on the scheduled date, highlighting that there was no alternative to it. Minister Kharel further noted that discussions were ongoing, with talks being held with various political parties, groups, and leaders, both in party offices and private residences.

Minister Kharel stressed that the current government remained fully committed to holding the election on time and that good governance and control of corruption remained its key priorities. "The government is focused on the election and will continue to meet with individuals, groups, youth, and representatives from security agencies to ensure the process runs smoothly," he said. "We urge the media to convey the message to the public that the election is assured, as the Election Commission and security agencies are fully focused on the process," he added.

Minister Kharel confirmed that all three major party leaders had clearly stated their support for the election, affirming that the election was a fundamental component of democracy. "The fresh mandate that comes from the people is the right and proper way forward," he said.

Minister Kharel added that NC president Deuba also made it clear that there was no alternative to the election and that the restoration of the House of Representatives was not an issue for his party. Similarly, Prachanda and the Nepali Communist Party have made it clear that the focus now must be on the election, as there is no alternative path forward.

Minister Kharel mentioned that while UML Chairman Oli supported the election, he expressed concern about the need to create a secure environment for it. "The government is committed to creating a security environment in line with the sentiments expressed by the political parties," said Minister Kharel. "The discussions with the top leaders have been optimistic, and the election will proceed on schedule, with participation from all political parties," he added.

Additionally, Prime Minister Sushila Karki is set to hold further discussions with top leaders in Baluwatar on Saturday to make final preparations for the election and ensure greater coordination among the parties.