KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said she never imagined that K. P. Sharma Oli, chair of the CPN-UML party, would lose in the March 5 election.
In an interview with Rastriya Samachar Samiti on Sunday, Karki said she was surprised by the result, noting that Oli had long maintained a strong political base in the area.
“Oli has been active in politics there for 30–40 years. It is his support base and stronghold, so I never imagined he would lose,” she said.
Karki, who was appointed prime minister on September 12, said her main responsibility had been to hold the House of Representatives of Nepal elections on time. With the elections completed peacefully and preparations underway for forming a new government, she said she now feels relieved.
She also said the election results clearly reflect the influence of youth voters and the demand for change, describing the outcome as an effect of the Gen-Z movement and a rising youth wave in politics.
Emphasizing democratic values, Karki said all political parties must respect the people’s mandate and that the winning side should not ignore those in the minority.
Recalling global political examples, she noted that leaders can return even after defeat, citing the case of Indira Gandhi, who lost an election but later returned to power.
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