Kathmandu: Following the dissolution of the House of Representatives, major political parties have expressed readiness to participate in the scheduled elections if a fair, independent, and fearless environment is guaranteed. Parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Centre, Janata Samajbadi Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, and Rastriya Swatantra Party have stressed that elections are indispensable for safeguarding democracy and the constitution, urging the interim government to ensure a credible environment.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, after dissolving parliament, set the date of the election for Falgun 21. Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC emphasized that the interim government’s primary responsibility is to guarantee free and fair elections, stating, “Going to the people is the only way to strengthen democracy.” UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali warned that elections would be meaningless without fairness and security for voters. UML Secretary Gokarna Bista added that pressure must be applied to hold elections on the scheduled date.
Maoist senior vice-chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha clarified that his party is firmly committed to contesting the elections, saying, “To defend the constitution and democracy, elections must be completed on the announced date.” Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma said while the President’s announcement was positive, creating the right environment is essential.
RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti urged the interim government to take strict measures against corruption and impunity and to successfully complete the elections within six months. Socialist Party leader Beduram Bhusal said a final decision would come only after assurances of fairness, while JSP leader Manish Suman expressed support for PM Karki, stressing that all parties must cooperate in holding elections.
Overall, while parties show consensus on participating in the elections, ensuring fairness, security, and credibility remains the interim government’s foremost challenge.
