DAMAK: Chair of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML) KP Sharma Oli has warned that no one should even imagine capturing polling booths in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
Addressing the Koshi Unified Command announcement assembly of the National Volunteer Force in Damak on Monday, Oli directed party youth volunteers to form security committees in every village and neighborhood.
He said the National Volunteer Force would play a role in ensuring peaceful voting during the election.
“At least 30 volunteers will be deployed at each polling booth to maintain election security. This force has been formed to prevent unrest and the spread of terror,” Oli said.
Recalling violent and destructive incidents that took place on September 8 and 9, during which the Supreme Court of Nepal and other government structures were set on fire, Oli said such incidents would not be allowed to recur. He added that police weapons would not be seized as happened on September 9, and that the volunteer force would remain responsible for controlling violent activities.
Stating that free and independent voting would be ensured, Oli warned that any attempt at booth capture would fail.
Taking a swipe at leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Oli said, “One can declare oneself a prime ministerial candidate, but that does not make one the prime minister.”
In an apparent reference to senior RSP leader Balen Shah, who is contesting against him in Jhapa-5, Oli remarked that proclaiming oneself prime minister in a childlike manner does not make it a reality.
“I hear people say they are candidates for prime minister. If you ask children what they want to become, they may say prime minister or president. But that does not mean they become one. One cannot simply declare oneself prime minister,” he said.
Oli said becoming prime minister is not a matter of jest, asserting that he is moving forward with a clear plan and destination, and sought to assure voters of his commitment to maintaining peace and security during the election.
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