Elections Essential for the Protection of the Constitution
Kathmandu : After a long period of political turmoil following the GenZ uprising, the political parties represented in the dissolved Federal Parliament have finally gathered for an all-party consultation. At the call of President Ramchandra Paudel and in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, parties have engaged in dialogue on the Jenji movement, the formation of a new government, the election announced for Falgun 21 (March 4), and other current political issues.
With administrative buildings across the country—including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and the Federal Parliament building—burned down along with the properties and businesses of key political leaders, the nation is attempting to return to normalcy by forming a new government. In this effort, President Paudel has taken the initiative to create an environment of dialogue between the government and the parties. In the meeting, while party leaders said a decision on whether to participate in the election was yet to be made and would be finalized by the central committees, Prime Minister Karki expressed her commitment to creating a conducive environment for elections. Participants of the meeting reported that the leaders’ remarks were a mix of responsibility and frustration.
Call to Focus on Elections
President Ramchandra Paudel clarified that elections are the only option to protect the country, its people, democracy, and the constitution. He urged the political parties to focus on the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 4). Stating that all must come together to successfully conduct the elections to protect democracy, he invited parties to share any doubts or confusions during the meeting. He warned that seeking alternatives to elections could lead the country into uncertainty.
He further called on parties to go to the public with a clear stance, assuring that they would address the demands of the GenZ movement, and said the government must immediately address concerns about the security of political leaders. According to his press advisor Kiran Pokharel, President Paudel advised the government to ensure peace and security to foster a free and fair election environment and build public confidence.
Fear-Free Elections Will Be Held: Prime Minister
Prime Minister Sushila Karki stated that the government understands elections cannot be held without the participation of political parties. She assured that the government will make necessary arrangements for peace and security to ensure free, fair, and fear-free elections. Urging political parties to move forward by embracing change, she noted that the GenZ youth are the children of the nation, and their dissatisfaction must be understood.
Requests from Political Parties
Leaders of political parties stated that parties that believe in democracy are always ready to participate in elections. According to Rajendra Prasad Pandey, a leader from the CPN (Unified Socialist) who attended the meeting, party representatives raised concerns about the election environment, the dangers posed by looted weapons, and whether the government is genuinely committed to holding elections.
Pandey said, “It is still unclear where the weapons looted from the police are. Is the government aiming to conduct elections or detain leaders? How will security be ensured? These overall issues were brought to the government’s attention.”
According to him, leaders of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML clarified that they would decide on election participation only after holding central committee meetings. Other leaders expressed doubts about whether the current security arrangement could ensure free and fair elections. They said the government must eliminate these doubts and create an environment that guarantees fair, free, and fear-free elections.
Discussion with GenZ Representatives Also Scheduled
President Paudel is also holding consultations with GenZ representatives regarding the elections on Saturday. He has invited GenZ leaders, who are in continuous dialogue with the government, for discussion. Press advisor Pokharel said, “President Paudel is discussing with GenZ representatives specifically about the elections and creating a conducive environment for them.”
Participants in the All-Party Meeting:
From Nepali Congress: Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa
From CPN-UML: Senior Vice President Ishwar Pokharel and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel
From CPN (Maoist Center): Senior Vice President Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun
From Rastriya Swatantra Party: Acting President Dol Prasad Aryal and Deputy General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya
From Rastriya Prajatantra Party: Spokesperson Gyan Bahadur Shahi and Meena Lama
From Unified Socialist: Senior Vice President Rajendra Prasad Pandey and General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal
From Janata Samajwadi Party: Leader Renu Yadav
From JSP Nepal: Leaders Bidyut Bajracharya and Prakash Adhikari
From Janamat Party: President Dr. CK Raut and Dr. Jay Kumar Raut
From Loktantrik Samajwadi Party: Gyanendra Jha and Sarbendra Nath Shukla
From Nagarik Unmukti Party: Leader Resham Lal Chaudhary
From Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party: Leader Sunil Prajapati
