KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has acknowledged that the Maoist Center has improved its public perception, as evidenced by the results of the recently concluded by-elections.
He also claimed that these election results are reflecting positively for his own party.
Pokharel noted that the Maoist Center succeeded in securing one rural municipality chair, one vice-chair, and one ward chair through the by-elections, indicating an improvement in their public standing.
He further admitted that his party – UML — had not achieved the expected success in the Kathmandu Valley.
The General Secretary also addressed the claims circulating on social media that UML came third in the by-election results, stating that such claims are not entirely accurate.
“Propaganda is being spread that the UML came third in the by-election results,” he wrote on social media.
“A general analysis of the current election results may suggest this, but when viewed in the context of the past results in the respective constituencies and the political influence of these areas, the conclusion seems different.”
Pokharel pointed out that the UML had won five ward chairs, including a rural municipality chair and two vice-chairs, compared to the seven ward chairs it had won previously.
“The UML succeeded in securing three office-bearer positions, including a rural municipality chair and two vice-chairs, instead of losing two ward chairs. In this sense, the election results indicate an improvement for the UML,” he wrote on social media.
He also acknowledged the Maoist Center’s success in gaining one rural municipality chair, one vice-chair, and one ward chair from the by-elections.
“However, the Maoists’ victory includes seats they had relinquished in previous elections in coordination with the Nepali Congress,” Pokharel added.
“In the Terai region of Koshi Province, they seem to have improved their public standing somewhat.”
Pokharel conceded that the by-election results did not meet the expectations of the local committee.
“A significant improvement was anticipated, particularly in Kathmandu, but it did not materialize,” he wrote.
“It appears that voters in urban areas are still not inclined toward mainstream political parties. Additionally, the recent misinformation about the UML and its leadership on social media has likely impacted the election results.”
Pokharel also expressed surprise at the changes in the seats that his party had won in the previous elections.
“This shows that people are dissatisfied with the performance of their elected representatives and are seeking change. It sends a clear message that people’s representatives must make significant improvements in their working style,” he noted.
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