KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Government prepares to hold House elections in single phase on March 5
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.
Congress announces no electoral alliance, fields candidates in all 165 constituencies
The Nepali Congress has announced that it will not form any electoral alliance with other parties in the March 5 election. Stating that it has already fielded candidates in all 165 constituencies, the party said there will be no pre-election alliance with any political force.
Political parties, candidates should unveil election manifestos for publicity campaigns
The Election Code of Conduct 2082 has stated a mandatory provision for the political parties and candidates to release their election manifestos prior to launching their publicity campaigns for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5. Clause 37 of the Election Code of Conduct mentioned that the candidates and political parties should unveil their election manifestos for publicity campaigns. As per the provision, publicity for the election would begin on February 16.
Development comes only through peace, not destruction: Prime Minister
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the country must move forward on the path of development through peace, not destruction. Speaking at a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday to form the main organizing committee for National Democracy Day, Prime Minister Karki stressed that lasting development is possible only through peace. She called for unity with a sense of national responsibility to maintain peace in the country.
Make election human rights-friendly: NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all the bodies concerned to make the upcoming election to the House of Representatives human rights-friendly by fully adhering to the election code of conduct. The upcoming election to the House of Representatives is taking place on March 5. Stating that it has been monitoring the human rights situation on the run up to the HoR election, NHRC requested everyone to make the election friendly to human rights.
Home Ministry directs all 77 ADAs to enforce election code of conduct
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all 77 Assistant Chief District Officers (ADAs) across the country to effectively perform their duties as “Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers” assigned by the Election Commission. The directive, issued on Wednesday, aims to ensure a clean, fair, transparent, and credible House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. According to the notice released by Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, the ministry trusts that all ADAs will carry out their responsibilities impartially and fearlessly. They are also requested to submit reports of their monitoring activities to the ministry.
RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane arrives in Chitwan for election campaign
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has arrived in Chitwan to participate in election-focused programs ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Lamichhane reached Chitwan on Thursday, where he was welcomed at Bharatpur Airport by RSP leaders, party cadres and well-wishers. A candidate from Chitwan constituency No. 2, Lamichhane is scheduled to hold interactions with voters and take part in door-to-door campaigning during his visit.
PM Karki, UML Chair Oli hold talks in Baluwatar
Amid growing political tension over the upcoming elections, Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli met on Thursday morning. The meeting took place on Thursday morning at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. Although the secretariats of both leaders confirmed the meeting between Prime Minister Karki and UMl Chair Oli, no details of the discussions have been made public.
Jatayu vulture restaurant emerges as hub for vulture protection in Nepal
The Jatayu Vulture Restaurant in Kawasoti, has been notable example of community-based vulture conservation. The center operates through the collaboration of local communities, national organizations, and international partners, where conservation responsibilities are shared collectively. The initiative is led nationally by Bird Conservation Nepal and supported internationally by BirdLife International.
Prachanda rules out poll alliance, claims NCP will emerge largest party
Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has claimed that his party will emerge as the largest force in the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. Addressing a virtual meeting of the party’s central leaders on Thursday, Dahal categorically ruled out any electoral alliance or seat-sharing arrangement with other political parties, including the UML and the Nepali Congress. “There will be no electoral alliance or coordination with any party, anywhere, in this election,” Dahal told party leaders, dismissing speculation about possible cooperation with rival forces.
Gold price drops by Rs 9,500 per tola
The price of gold has declined in the domestic market on Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 295,200 per tola today, down by Rs 9,500 compared to the previous day. On Wednesday, fine gold was traded at Rs 304,700 per tola. The price of silver has also decreased. Silver has fallen by Rs 620 per tola and is being traded at Rs 4,980 per tola today. On Wednesday, silver was bought and sold at Rs 5,600 per tola.
Election Commission issues vehicle permit guidelines for election
The Election Commission has issued the “Vehicle Permit Guidelines, 2026” targeting the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, with the aim of regulating, dignifying, and controlling the use of vehicles during the election campaign and on polling day. According to the Commission, the guidelines have been enforced to clearly define the process for granting permits for vehicles used by political parties, candidates, and their representatives for election purposes.
Pressure mounts on UML and Oli as polls near, talks of tactical alliances resurface
With just a month remaining until the March 5 elections, the CPN-UML is increasingly finding itself under pressure, as the political fallout from the September Gen-Z movement continues to shape the electoral landscape. The UML has been facing sustained criticism over the human and material losses during the Gen-Z protests held on September 8 and 9, when the party chair and then prime minister KP Sharma Oli was leading the government. Critics say Oli failed to acknowledge responsibility for the violence, a charge that has continued to dog the party. Although Oli recently expressed condolences through a Facebook post for the 19 people who lost their lives, the gesture has done little to calm public anger.
Police shoot and arrest suspect over Rs 10.4 million gold jewelry theft in Kathmandu
Police have arrested a suspect involved in the theft of gold jewelry worth Rs 10.45 million from a house in Boudha Tusal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City–6, after shooting him during an operation. The suspect, identified as Prem Chaudhary of Banke, was arrested last night from Nagarjun Municipality–6 after police opened fire in self-defence, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa. Police said Chaudhary had stolen gold ornaments worth Rs 10.45 million from the residence of Rinjee Lama in Tusal on Tuesday around noon. A total of 65 tola of gold jewelry was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest.
Department directs adjustment of price hike on daily essentials
The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has directed producers, importers and distributors to adjust the abnormal price rise seen in daily essential goods. Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Department said it has instructed market stakeholders to control unnecessary price hikes and help maintain a competitive and fair market system. According to the statement, major producers, importers and distributors of food items and edible oil have been called in and directed not to make undue profits, to ensure regular supply of goods and services, and to adjust unreasonable price increases to provide relief to consumers.
EC makes bank accounts mandatory for election campaign expenses
The Election Commission (EC) has introduced the Election Campaign Bank Account Operation and Management Procedures, 2082 to ensure transparency in election-related expenditures by political parties and candidates. Under the new provisions, all campaign expenses during the general election must be conducted through the banking system. The procedures have been enforced in accordance with Sections 24 and 50 of the Election Commission Act, 2073; Section 16 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082; and directives issued by Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank regulator.
Comment