Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, recently convened a direct meeting with top leaders of major political parties to address the parliamentary elections set for March 5 next year. This marked her first direct interaction with key figures like Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The meeting aimed to address concerns raised by political parties regarding the electoral environment and the ongoing political tensions.
Former Prime Minister Deuba highlighted that despite all parties being prepared for the upcoming elections, a conducive electoral atmosphere is yet to be established. Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, confirmed that all three leaders, including former Prime Minister Oli, expressed their willingness to participate in the polls while stressing the need for a favorable environment. The government spokesperson assured that efforts would be made to enhance security and other conditions to facilitate smooth elections.
The CPN (UML) has expressed doubts about the government’s commitment to timely elections, criticizing the current administration for alleged constitutional violations. On the other hand, the Nepali Congress has formally committed to participating in the elections but has also stressed the importance of a conducive electoral climate. The newly formed Nepali Communist Party has been advocating for the elections to proceed as planned, emphasizing the need for a fair electoral process.
Prime Minister Karki, through her Secretariat, welcomed the leaders’ commitment to engaging in the electoral process and pledged to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
