KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 26 Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that all political forces in the country should come together to safeguard national interests, irrespective of their ideological differences. During a meeting with a delegation from the Nagarik Bachau Party on Friday, the Prime Minister said that as many as 114 political parties have applied to participate in the upcoming elections and that all must remain united in the broader cause of national interest. 'Diversity of ideology and the opportunity to advocate one's beliefs are the essence of democracy. That said, all political forces must come together to protect our national interests,' the Prime Minister said. She expressed the view that all parties should now share a common understanding on the election process, adding that the country must move forward in a balanced and responsible manner in the current adverse situation. Describing elections as an opportunity to present ideologies to the people and seek their mandate, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholders to make the March 5 election a success. On the occasion, Prime Minister Karki said that the government was making full preparations for the polls and urged political forces not to harbour any doubts regarding their successful completion. She further stated that the Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police have been provided with all necessary means and resources for election security, and that a separate security force is also being recruited specifically for the polls. 'The elections scheduled for March 5 will not be postponed under any circumstances. You must also prepare yourselves for the polls,' the Prime Minister said. She reiterated that she was firmly committed to holding the elections, noting that the current government was formed with the sole mandate of conducting the polls. 'This government has been entrusted with the responsibility of holding the election on March 5, and it has no excuse to deviate from that responsibility,' she clarified. The Prime Minister also said she was surprised by the prevailing trend of nonconformity despite the nation having suffered significant losses in the past. She urged mainstream political parties to engage in self-assessment on various issues and to correct past shortcomings. Although there is currently a conflict between established and emerging ideologies in the country, the Prime Minister described it as a 'family affair' that should be resolved amicably. However, she stressed that outdated mindsets, old-fashioned approaches, and repetitive interpretations are no longer effective and called for necessary reforms and corrections. On the occasion, Nagarik Bachau Party Nepal Chairperson Madhav Kalpit submitted a five-point demand to Prime Minister Karki on behalf of the party. (With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)