KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged political parties to focus on the upcoming House of Representatives election, scheduled for March 5, 2026, emphasizing that going to the polls is the only way to safeguard the country, the people, democracy, and the Constitution.
President Paudel made the remarks during an all-party meeting of the interim government held at Sheetal Niwas on Friday. According to sources, President Paudel called on the government to ensure peace and security and build public confidence that the elections would be held in a free, fair, and fear-free environment.
He stressed the need for unity in protecting democracy and asked parties to resolve any confusion or disagreements through dialogue. He also cautioned against seeking alternatives to elections, saying such a move could lead the country down an uncertain path.
President Paudel further urged the parties to go to the people without creating confusion and to clearly commit to addressing the demands raised by the Gen-Z movement. He said the government must take immediate steps to address the security concerns raised by political parties.
During the meeting, party leaders expressed their commitment to participating in the elections but raised concerns about the current security situation. They said doubts had emerged about whether elections could be held fairly and freely and stressed that the government must take steps to dispel those doubts.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki acknowledged that elections cannot happen without the cooperation of political parties and assured the meeting that the government is committed to maintaining peace and security to conduct fair elections. Referring to the Gen-Z protestors, she noted that they are the sons and grandsons of all citizens and said it is important to understand the reasons behind their dissatisfaction.
All ministers of the interim government, including Prime Minister Karki, were present at the meeting. Also in attendance were senior leaders from across the political spectrum.
From the Nepali Congress, Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretary Gagan Thapa took part. Representing the CPN-UML were Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel. From the Maoist Centre, Senior Vice Chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Secretary Barshaman Pun attended.
From the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Acting President DP Aryal and Joint General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya participated. Rastriya Prajatantra Party was represented by Gyanendra Shahi and Mina Lama, while Vice President Rajendra Pandey and General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal represented Unified Socialist.
Renu Yadav represented the Janata Samajwadi Party, and Bidyut Bajracharya and Prakash Adhikari joined from JSP Nepal. Janamat Party leaders CK Raut and Dr. Jay Kumar Raut, as well as Loktantrik Samajwadi Party representatives Gyanendra Jha and Sarbendra Nath Shukla, were also present. Nagarik Unmukti Party leader Resham Chaudhary and Sunil Prajapati from the Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party also attended.
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