KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ appeared united at Sheetal Niwas in pushing for the March 5, 2026, elections as the way forward, while Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli demanded clear political and security assurances before committing to the polls.
The high-level meeting, convened on the President’s initiative, brought together the Prime Minister and the top leaders of major political parties amid the ongoing standoff following the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Karki urged the parties to abandon the House restoration agenda and concentrate on election preparations. She argued that reinstating a dissolved House would not provide a sustainable political solution and insisted that elections remain the best option.
“I do not see the new generation accepting the restoration of a dissolved House. The March 5 election is the most appropriate option,” the Prime Minister said, reiterating her readiness to transfer power after the polls.
Prachanda backed the Prime Minister’s position, saying a fresh mandate was essential to address public frustration and restore political stability. He said restoring the dissolved House would not create a functional governing environment and stressed the need to seriously prepare for elections in Falgun.
President Paudel also aligned with the Prime Minister and Prachanda, stating that elections were announced to provide the country with an exit from a grave and sensitive situation. He pledged full institutional support to ensure the polls are conducted peacefully and credibly.
Oli, Deuba demand guarantees before committing
Despite the push for elections, UML Chair Oli made it clear that his party requires firm assurances from the government regarding security, political freedom and fairness before fully engaging in the electoral process.
Oli questioned whether the current law-and-order situation supports a credible election, citing alleged intimidation, restrictions on political leaders and talk of arrests. He said elections “cannot be reduced to slogans” and insisted that the government must first demonstrate its commitment to constitutional conduct and impartial governance.
He also informed the meeting that the UML, along with the Nepali Congress, had approached the Supreme Court to exercise their constitutional right to seek House restoration, stressing that this legal route does not contradict a commitment to democracy.
Similarly, Nepali Congress President Deuba sought concrete assurances that the government would create a peaceful and secure environment for elections. He demanded action against those involved in arson, vandalism and attacks on public and private property during recent protests.
Deuba said the Congress would cooperate if elections are held on time, but only if the government guarantees security for political leaders and cadres, restores law and order and ensures that elections are free from fear and coercion.
“The government keeps talking about elections, but there must be a clear guarantee that parties can participate without intimidation,” Deuba was quoted as saying by sources at Sheetal Niwas.
Sources said the dialogue eased tensions among the leaders, with an understanding that further talks would be held if necessary to address concerns and build confidence ahead of the polls.
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