KATHMANDU, Sept 16: Major traditional parties, along with some fringe groups, have signaled support for holding elections and are cooperating with the government formed after the Gen-Z movement. Although some parties, unable to act during the political turmoil, issued statements opposing the dissolution of the House of Representatives (HoR), have indicated that they will participate in the upcoming elections. Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s first decision was to dissolve the House and announce elections for March 5. Afterward, the parties released statements rejecting the dissolution.
Concluding that there is no alternative to elections for a political way out, the parties now emphasize that the vote must be held on schedule. They have begun publicly stating that the election should proceed on the announced date. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel said on Monday that elections must be held on time to restore the constitution. “As this is an interim government, its duty is to conduct elections on schedule. The government’s focus will be on creating a peaceful and secure environment to ensure timely polls,” Pokhrel said at the party office.
Thai embassy organizing "Journey to Thailand & Top Thai Brands...
The Nepali Congress (NC), UML, CPN (Maoist Center), Janata Samajbadi Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janamat Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party—each represented in the dissolved HoR—had jointly demanded that the decision to dissolve the HoR be reversed and that a parliamentary session be convened immediately. Afterwards, the key question was whether these major parties would join the nationwide election announced for March 5. Following Pokhrel’s remarks on Monday, it now appears that the parties will support the interim government and participate in the polls.
Pokhrel added that all democratic parties in Nepal should engage directly with the people to seek their mandate. He warned that relying solely on street protests would not bring stability or development, stressing that timely elections are essential to return the country to constitutional order.
Although the NC leadership has not issued a formal position, NC leader Minendra Rijal also stated that everyone must help ensure that the HoR election takes place on the declared date. “The president’s decision has provided relief to the nation. It is our duty to help guarantee that the House election occurs as scheduled. Once the election is held, the constitution, built through the struggle of four generations, will again be fully operational,” he said.
Similarly, Maoist Center Senior Vice-Chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha warned that the country could face a grave crisis if the interim government fails to hold the election on the announced date. He urged all sides to create the necessary environment: “The interim government is in place, and the election date has been declared. We must unite to ensure the vote is held as scheduled. If the government fails, the nation will face a dire situation.”
