Government prepares to hold House elections in single phase on March 5

KATHMANDU: The government has stepped up preparations to conduct the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5 in a single phase across all 77 districts.

Despite differing views from some political parties that elections may not be feasible in around 23 Himalayan districts due to extreme cold, the government has moved forward with the conclusion that the polls will be held simultaneously nationwide.

The decision gained momentum following nearly two hours of talks on Thursday between UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Prime Minister Sushila Karki. According to sources, both sides agreed that the elections should be conducted in a single phase.

“The election will not be postponed now. UML Chair Oli has also agreed to a single-phase election,” a source said. “The government has decided to ensure full peace and security arrangements and hold the elections on March 5 in Himalayan, hill and Tarai-Madhes districts alike.”

During the meeting, Prime Minister Karki briefed Oli on the state of election preparations and the country’s security situation. She assured that no shortcomings would be allowed in security management and reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the polls in one phase.

A senior government official said preparations have been intensified after around 80,000 security personnel were mobilized nationwide from Wednesday, strengthening the overall law and order situation.

Major political parties, including the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, have been consistently calling for elections to be held in a single phase. However, Prime Minister Karki had earlier indicated that a two-phase election could be considered depending on conditions in Himalayan districts.

Following Thursday’s discussion at Baluwatar and Oli’s agreement to a single-phase poll, the environment has shifted decisively in favor of conducting the elections simultaneously.

With the army also mobilized on the ground, the government is accelerating preparations to hold elections at once in all 165 constituencies across the country. The Election Commission has said that ballot papers have already been printed for 55 districts.

With major parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and NCP, now aligned, the possibility of postponing the election or holding it in two phases has significantly diminished.