KATHMANDU: Following the September 8 and 9 Gen-Z protests, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the Prime Minister on September 12.
Acting on her recommendation, the President dissolved the House of Representatives effective from 11 p.m. on September 12, with Karki announcing that general elections will be held on March 5, 2026.
While the UML has demanded the reinstatement of the dissolved House, the Nepali Congress, Maoist Center, Rastriya Swatantra Party, and other political forces have supported going to the polls. A month after assuming office, on October 21, Prime Minister Karki held consultations with leaders of 10 political parties and reaffirmed that elections would be held on schedule, stating that there would be no postponement under any circumstances.
Government officials have maintained that preparations are fully underway and that there is no intention to delay the vote. Ajay Bhadra Khanal, the Prime Minister’s Chief Political Adviser, said the government and the Election Commission are working in close coordination with security agencies to ensure peace and stability during the election period.
Prime Minister’s Press Coordinator Ram Bahadur Rawal added that both the government and the Commission are making necessary arrangements to conduct the elections within the stipulated time. He described the overall environment as favorable for holding the polls as planned.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel expressed confidence that the country is ready to conduct the elections smoothly. Citing eight key reasons, he explained why the government believes there will be no obstacles to the March 5 polls.
According to Minister Kharel, the election date has already been fixed, providing a firm basis for proceeding with the process. The Election Commission has published its operational plan and is rapidly implementing it, while voter registration and logistical preparations are ongoing.
The government has moved ahead with procuring essential materials, manpower, and resources, with the Commission and security agencies actively involved in the preparations.
Kharel said the security situation has improved, noting that stolen weapons are being recovered and escaped detainees are returning to custody. Security agencies, he added, are committed to ensuring a safe environment by election time. He also stated that concerns over the morale of security forces have been addressed, with all agencies confident they can manage the polls, even in a single phase if needed.
The Minister further noted that about 99 percent of political parties have expressed readiness to participate in the elections. Those who have yet to make their position clear have not declared a boycott, but only urged the government to ensure a secure and fair environment.
The government, he said, is committed to creating a free, independent, and transparent atmosphere for the polls.
Continuous dialogue is ongoing between the Prime Minister, the Election Commission, political parties, and the Jen-G movement representatives to promote participation and cooperation. A meeting between Gen-Z representatives and political party leaders is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss ways to build consensus and ensure inclusivity in the electoral process.
Kharel added that with the conclusion of major festivals, Nepal has entered the election period in earnest. He reiterated that the government will conduct the elections on time while simultaneously advancing good governance and anti-corruption initiatives.
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions, Minister Kharel clarified that investigations into criminal and irregular activities will not interfere with the polls. He said investigative agencies have full independence to act, and assured that “no guilty person will escape punishment, but no one will be targeted without cause.”
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