KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has reiterated that the reinstatement of Parliament must precede any upcoming elections.
Speaking at an event on Thursday in Kathmandu, where volunteers from the party’s 11th General Convention were thanked, Oli referred to a recent meeting at Shital Niwas. The meeting, convened on Tuesday at the initiative of President Ramchandra Paudel, included Prime Minister Sushila Karki and other party leaders, including Nepali Congress Chair Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Oli stated that during the talks, he emphasized that the country is moving toward regression, not progress, and therefore, the first step must be restoring Parliament. “We are not against elections. What we oppose is regression. We want the House of Representatives reinstated as soon as possible,” he said.
He clarified that once Parliament is restored, the party would accept any decision made by the court regarding elections. “The President and Prime Minister can organize elections, but the environment must first be peaceful. Right now, that environment does not exist,” Oli said.
The CPN-UML chief expressed concern over ongoing attacks on party leaders and activists in various areas, as well as restrictions imposed on their movements. He highlighted how disinformation is being spread on social media, and that the name of the Gen-Z movement is being used to instill fear among voters.
“Voters are being intimidated under the guise of Gen-Z. Young people’s names are being misused to create fear. In such a situation, elections cannot be held because law and order have not been established,” Oli said.
He stressed that the government must first create a peaceful environment before elections take place. “We are ready to participate in elections once regression is reversed and the country is returned to a path of progress,” he concluded.
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