PM Karki calls for national unity ahead of HoR election

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 3: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the country has reached another significant turning point in history.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech on Monday morning, she said, “On March 5, we will decide the future of both our country and ourselves.”

“However, before that, our cultural festival Holi, or Phagu Purnima, is upon us. Both this festival of colours and the preparations for the election are equally meaningful to us,” the Prime Minister said. 

Recalling the time when she assumed office as the Prime Minister, she said, “You all remember the situation when I took this responsibility. The country faced a period of complexity, sensitivity, and uncertainty, especially after the Gen Z movement,” she said. 

“There was anger among the youth on the streets, fear in everyone’s hearts, and the future of the country was uncertain,” she added. 

Karki stated that the primary challenge was to navigate the country from a violent confrontation towards a peaceful resolution, steering Nepal back to a constitutional path. “Today, I am satisfied that we have successfully crossed that tough transition and arrived at this stage. We have established the rule of law and moved ahead with stability,” she added.

The Prime Minister then called on voters to take an active part in the upcoming election, urging them to vote for the future of the nation. 

“Voting is not just about marking a symbol on a ballot paper. It is about deciding the future you want for yourself and your children,” she explained. She further appealed for voters to prioritise their participation in the election on Thursday, urging them to set aside other tasks and reach their polling centres.

Karki stressed the importance of maintaining peace and harmony during the electoral period, emphasising that while differing opinions are natural in an election, they should not lead to animosity among citizens. “Peace is the true identity of Nepal,” she said.

In her address, Karki also expressed her gratitude to all political parties and independent candidates for their participation in the election. “Your active participation ensures the survival of democracy,” she stated, calling on all candidates and supporters to maintain discipline during the election's silence period.

She also thanked the Election Commission, security agencies, and all civil servants involved in the election process. “Your impartiality and hard work will ensure that this election is free, fair, and conducted without fear,” she affirmed.

Prime Minister Karki highlighted that the Election Commission had completed all necessary preparations on time, despite the challenges posed by the short duration. “The provincial and local governments have also contributed significantly to the election preparations within their respective boundaries,” she added.

She further reassured that both the government and the Election Commission are fully committed to conducting the election transparently and without fear. The government has mobilised all four security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the election process.

Prime Minister Karki also expressed gratitude to President Ramchandra Paudel for his supportive role and thanked the international community for its assistance in election management. “We have received encouraging responses and support from friendly nations and international organizations,” she noted.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister addressed concerns about the spread of false and misleading information on social media.

She warned against individuals and groups trying to distort the public discourse through fabricated predictions and disinformation. “I urge everyone not to fall for such confusion and not to follow those elements,” she said, adding that legal action would be taken against those responsible for spreading deceptive content.

Prime Minister Karki also reassured the citizens that the government would not tolerate impunity. “We will take action against anyone, at any level, as per the law,” she concluded.