PM and leaders agree on holding elections on slated date: Minister Kharel

Kathmandu, Dec 27: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has said that Prime Minister Sushila Karki and the leaders of major political parties have reached an agreement to hold elections as scheduled. 

A high-level meeting took place today at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, involving Prime Minister Karki, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment to proceed with the elections, as informed by Kharel. After the meeting, government spokesperson Kharel addressed the media, stating, "UML Chairman Oli has made it clear that the UML is prepared for elections, but he expects the government to establish the necessary conditions." 

Nepali Congress President Deuba also affirmed that they are ready to participate in elections without the need for parliament's reinstatement. During the meeting, Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Dahal emphasized that elections should occur on the planned date of March 5, 2026, as relayed by spokesperson Kharel. 

He added, "Coordinator Dahal not only confirmed his party's readiness for the elections but also encouraged UML Chairman Oli to prepare for the elections." Minister Kharel further noted that President Deuba highlighted in the meeting that the Congress party's next focus is on elections without reinstating parliament and urged Chairman Oli to be prepared for the same. 

The meeting also addressed potential challenges posed by adverse weather conditions during the elections. He remarked, 'Concerns were raised about possible snowfall during the election period or upcoming festivals, but when the Prime Minister asserted that the government is obligated to hold the elections on the scheduled date, the leaders did not bring up any further issues.