Shekhar Koirala says March 5 elections essential to keep constitution on track

BIRATNAGAR: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has said that holding elections on March 5, 2026, is the only option to bring the constitution back on track.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Koirala claimed that the constitution has been off track since the formation of the current government. He said if elections are not held as scheduled on March 5, Nepal could face a larger constitutional crisis, which is why the Nepali Congress is emphasizing timely elections.

He added that while the party wanted elections to be held within the stipulated timeframe, the government has so far failed to create an appropriate environment for voting.

Koirala also warned that if elections are delayed, the possibility of reinstating the parliament would increase. On a separate note, he urged supporters to be confident about his candidacy for the upcoming party convention.

Referring to party rules, Koirala clarified that Sher Bahadur Deuba cannot run again as party president. He stressed that the Nepali Congress must hold its national convention on the scheduled date.