KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Sushila Karki government delivers on mandate, oversees comparatively peaceful HoR polls
The government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, which assumed office amid the political crisis following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, has successfully executed its main mandate by overseeing the House of Representatives election. When President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as Prime Minister, she was given the mandate to hold the HoR election by March 5. Despite a period of political uncertainty, the Karki government has managed to implement this crucial mandate. The government successfully coordinated and managed key political, economic, diplomatic, and security matters to ensure a smooth electoral process.
President, Vice President abstain from voting to maintain constitutional neutrality
President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav did not participate in voting in the House of Representatives (HoR) elections taking place across the country on Thursday. Both leaders refrained from casting their ballots in order to maintain constitutional neutrality in their roles as guardians of the Constitution.
“Let there be no more tinkering with our future,” say Gen Z voters after casting ballots
A wave of enthusiasm among the new generation of voters, or ‘Gen Z,’ has been evident in this House of Representatives election, with many first-time voters or returning expatriates emphasizing the importance of shaping the country’s future. Sujani Shrestha, 25, who has been living in Canada for studies for the past three years, returned to Nepal specifically to vote. After casting her ballot at Padmakanya Vidyashram in Dillibazar, she told RSS she was thrilled to participate. Shrestha stressed that the upcoming government must prioritize ending the compulsion for young people to go abroad for higher education and employment, and ensure transparency and good governance. “Due to widespread corruption in our country, young people are forced to go abroad. If quality education and employment opportunities are created within the country, most young people will stay at home. I hope the government that will be formed now will prioritize these issues,” she said.
Vote counting to take place in all 165 constituencies
Vote counting for the House of Representatives election will be conducted at the offices of the election officers across all 165 constituencies, the Election Commission of Nepal has confirmed. Counting for the first-past-the-post (direct) system will begin once ballot boxes from polling stations in each constituency are collected at the respective election officer’s office. Before counting begins, all-party meetings will be held at the district and constituency levels. The commission has said it plans to publish the results of the direct system within 24 hours of starting the count.
Nepal Army cast votes from temporary polling station
Military personnel and other government employees who are eligible to vote under the proportional representation system cast their ballots from a temporary polling station in Bhadrakali. The arrangement allowed soldiers whose names appear on the voter list to participate in the election.
56 ballot booklets looted from Dolakha polling station, voting uncertain
A total of 56 ballot booklets were looted from a polling station in Dolakha District on Thursday, casting uncertainty over the voting process in the area. The incident occurred at Golmeshwar Secondary School polling station in Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-4, Malu, shortly after voting began for the House of Representatives election. According to officials, a group attempted to assault election staff deployed at the polling center and fled with the ballot booklets.
Voters boycott election at two polling centers in Dang over relocation demand
Voters at two polling centers in Dang district have boycotted Thursday’s House of Representatives election, demanding the relocation of their settlements. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Sabitra Pun, no voters had turned up to cast ballots until 2:50 pm at Deuti Secondary School Malai polling center in Babai Rural Municipality-7 and Janata Secondary School Jila polling center in Ward No. 1 of the same municipality. Pun said that although voters have not participated in the polling process, they have not obstructed election officials deployed at the centers.
Balen Shah in the spotlight as helicopter en route to Jhapa returns mid-flight
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Balen Shah, drew attention on the day of the House of Representatives election after the helicopter he boarded to travel to Jhapa returned to Kathmandu mid-flight. After casting his vote in Kathmandu on Thursday morning, Shah had flown toward Jhapa using a helicopter operated by Heli Everest. However, the helicopter turned back to Tribhuvan International Airport after reaching about 52 nautical miles from Kathmandu without landing in Jhapa. Shah had received permission on Wednesday to travel to Jhapa by helicopter from Kathmandu. According to his team, the return was prompted by security concerns raised while en route. Shah’s aide Kumar Ben told media that they decided to turn back after being advised not to land due to security issues.
KP Oli’s helicopter trip to Jhapa canceled after Shah’s flight diverted
UML leader and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has canceled his planned helicopter trip to Jhapa 5 after a helicopter carrying Rastriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balendra Shah was diverted back to Kathmandu. Shah had chartered the helicopter to visit polling centers in Jhapa 5 after voting in Kathmandu. However, concerns raised that the move could influence voters led the Election Commission to instruct the helicopter to return, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport instead of Jhapa.
Gagan Thapa reaches Sarlahi-4 after casting vote in Kathmandu-4
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has reached Sarlahi Constituency-4 after casting his vote in Kathmandu Constituency-4. After voting in Kathmandu, Thapa traveled to Sarlahi by helicopter and landed at around 11:20 am. The Nepali Congress leader has begun meeting voters in the constituency where he is contesting the election.
Gagan Thapa calls election crucial for political stability
President of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa said the mandate from this election would chart the country’s course for the next five years. “After the Constitution went off track, there were fears of prolonged political uncertainty. That is why holding this election was essential to bring the Constitution back on track,” he said. “Despite doubts about whether the election would take place, voting is being conducted peacefully across the country.”
105-year-old Chandra Bahadur Khadka votes in Budhanilkantha
Chandra Bahadur Khadka, 105, cast his ballot Thursday at the Chapali polling center in Budhanilkantha Municipality-2, Kathmandu, during the House of Representatives election. After voting, Khadka told reporters he was thrilled to participate, saying, “Even at this age, I am happy to vote. I hope the country elects capable, honest leaders who work for the people.”
PM Karki holds phone talks with Qatar counterpart, urges peaceful resolution to Iran war
Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, on Thursday. During the conversation, Karki expressed Nepal’s serious concern over recent developments in the West Asian region and urged all sides to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Nepal, China discuss strengthening bilateral ties, cooperation
Nepal’s Amrit Bahadur Rai held a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. According to the Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cooperation between the two countries.
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