Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to compete independently in upcoming by-elections

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, the two ruling parties in Nepal, have announced that they will not form an alliance for the upcoming by-elections, choosing instead to compete independently.

This decision comes after a Nepali Congress meeting on Wednesday led by General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, which assigned provincial-level responsibilities for the election campaign.

According to the party’s election coordination head, Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, the Nepali Congress sees no reason for an alliance with CPN-UML for the by-elections, given the current political context.

Congress leaders, including Dina Upadhyay, Jivan Pariyar, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Pushpa Bhusal, Min Bishwakarma, and Madhu Acharya, highlighted that the coalition at the central level does not necessitate alliances in by-elections.

Bishwakarma stressed that the Nepali Congress has no plans to ally with CPN-UML for the by-elections as they will field candidates in all 44 constituencies.

“Though we cooperate in the government, the two major parties are competitors,” said Bishwakarma. “There’s no need for a Congress-UML alliance in the by-elections. We consider forming alliances only when there are other strong parties to compete against, which isn’t the case here. So, we’re going solo in the by-elections.”

CPN-UML Vice Chairman Yubaraj Gyawali echoed this view, affirming that there is no need for an alliance with Congress at any level for these elections. He added that both parties are dedicated to democratic practices and competition, stating that there is no agreement to form an electoral alliance between them.

Despite competing independently, representatives from both parties stated that there would be no animosity or hostile tactics during the by-elections.

The Nepali Congress and CPN-UML also indicated that they might form unofficial coalitions in specific wards where Maoist or independent candidates are particularly strong, but stressed that formal alliances will not be necessary.

CPN-UML has called a central meeting on Kartik 25 to discuss by-election strategies, underscoring that the two parties are open to cooperation only if there is a compelling need to address local challenges. However, they remain firm in their commitment to democratic competition, with no formal or informal alliances planned for key positions such as mayor or deputy mayor.