Prime Minister Sushila Karki of Nepal announced on Wednesday her unwavering commitment to conducting the upcoming general elections on March 5 in a free and fair manner. Karki emphasized the government's responsibility to listen to and address the valid demands of Gen Z, in keeping with constitutional guidelines. She promised a safe environment where Nepali citizens can vote fearlessly, with goals of fortifying democracy, enhancing national prosperity, and safeguarding citizens' rights. Karki expressed these views at a program in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur District.
Her statement followed a meeting with major political party leaders, marking her initial engagement after assuming leadership of the interim government. The meeting included discussions on election preparations and security arrangements, held at the official residence in Baluwatar, attended by leaders of the dissolved House of Representatives.
At 73, Karki became Nepal's first female PM last month after succeeding KP Sharma Oli, removed due to a youth-led 'Gen Z movement' addressing issues like corruption and social media censorship.
Committed to Timely Elections
Information and Communications Minister Jagadish Kharel remarked that Tuesday's dialogue with political leaders fostered a welcoming environment for elections. This five-hour session saw political heads appeal for a conducive polling atmosphere. Karki reiterated the government's pledge to hold elections as scheduled.
Kharel highlighted the optimism among most leaders regarding elections, providing encouragement for further preparations. He noted that all party representatives and cabinet members displayed readiness to contribute actively to establishing an electoral environment.
Election Date Announced
Kharel reported intense discussions during the meeting on organizing elections, curbing corruption, and ensuring security, sharing the government's thorough arrangements with political parties. The government seeks impartial and sovereign election cooperation from all political groups. Nepal's top Election Commission has already declared March 5, 2026, as the date for the House of Representatives election.
In attendance alongside PM Karki were Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Agriculture Minister Madan Pariyar, and Minister for Information and Communications Jagadish Kharel.
Why Isn't the Government Arresting Them?
Meanwhile, from the opposition, leaders such as Gagan Kumar Thapa and Prakash Sharan Mahat from the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML’s Shankar Pokharel and Pradeep Gyawali, Maoist Center’s Barsha Man Pun and Pampha Bhusal, Rashtriya Swatantra Party’s Swarnim Waglé and Shobhita Gautam, CPN (Unified Socialist) Rajendra Pandey and Prakash Jwala, Rashtriya Prajatantra Party’s Rajendra Gurung and Mohan Shrestha, and JSP's Upendra Yadav and Prakash Adhikari, among others were present.
Simultaneously, a delegation of protesters injured in last month's 'Gen Z movement' met PM Karki, demanding robust actions against corrupt politicians. The 18-member delegation, led by Rupin Khadka, voiced concerns: "Why are those we protested against still free? Why isn't the government arresting them? Is the constitution or law obstructing justice?"
To this, PM Karki reassured that the interim government operates within the legal framework, pledging commitment to the Gen Z movement's essence. "We are executing all actions legally, following the given mandate. Elections will proceed, and corruption investigations are advancing," she emphasized.
