Prime Minister Karki says people come first, political parties are secondary
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 22
With the preparations under way for the upcoming polls, majority of political party leaders have stressed that the government, the Election Commission and all political parties should work together to ensure that the March 5 elections take place on time.
In an all-party meeting held today at the Prime Minister's Office, Singha Durbar, leaders from almost all parties emphasised the importance of holding the elections on the scheduled date. Party leaders emphasised the necessity of the government's role in holding elections in a free and fair environment, and the parties expressed scepticism that the government was attempting to postpone the March 5 election.
They also argued that if the slated elections for the House of Representatives are not held on March 5, there will be no alternative to restoring the House.
Speaking during the discussion, Nepali Communist Party leader Barshaman Pun commended the government's commitment to holding the elections on the announced date and urged the parties to support the government's efforts.
Pun, however, warned that if the government attempts to postpone the elections contrary to the constitutional provision, they will not embrace it. He warned that if the elections were not held on the scheduled date, the government would have to restore the dissolved parliament.
"There were early reports that the government was also attempting to move the elections to May or June. There should be no room for retraction because the major political parties have already begun preparing for the election process," he said. "Political parties should also help the state find a solution and maintain stability. However, if the government attempts to go beyond the constitution for more than six months, we will not support it."
He also stated that if another parliament is not formed within six months, either the streets will decide or the old parliament will be reinstated. "We are all on the same page about these issues," he stated. He also stated that it is inappropriate to change election laws after the date has been announced.
"The rules should not be changed in the middle of the game; doing so may result in conflict," leader Pun advised.
Nepali Congress Joint General Secretary, Mahendra Yadav, opined that the prime minister should consult with top leaders.
"My party and I personally request the prime minister to hold discussions with the top leaders of the main parties to create an environment in which the election can be held," said NC Joint General Secretary Yadav. "Let's not limit each other. Let us create an environment in which we can move forward through consensus."
CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet stated that, while his party has in principle agreed to the March 5 elections and the Gen Z government's agreement, they are not convinced that the elections will take place due to the government's actions.
"In principle, we support the elections. However, in today's environment, the restoration of parliament has been taken to the Supreme Court, with the interim ruling deemed unconstitutional," Basnet stated.
He added that if the elections are to be held on March 5, the government should hold a 'one-on-one' meeting with the top leaders of the major parties, adding that a solution cannot be found simply through formal discussions.
Shishir Khanal, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, stated that peace and security are the most important issues in the upcoming elections. "During the elections, the issue of peace and security and campaigning are in focus. The government is responsible for ensuring the safety of leaders, parties and candidates who contest in a fearless environment," he stated.
Rastriya Janamorcha leader Manoj Bhatta stated that his party supported the March 5 election because it was critical and that the election could be the appropriate way to change course. However, he stated that the current government is unconstitutional.
After hearing from the leaders of all parties and representatives at the all-party meeting, Prime Minister Sushila Karki stated that the election should be viewed as a means of change and that all parties should support it. She stated that the parties should work together to create a peaceful and safe environment in the country.
She also stated that division within any political party, as well as the negative consequences of political manipulation and harassment, should not be imposed on the public.
"The people cannot be sold the impression that there is chaos within or among the party. People have a choice. They bring in good political parties. Political parties exist to serve the people. People come first, the party is secondary," stated PM Karki.
"Every political party should participate in the elections. If all political parties want peace, there is no room for bad elements. All 114 parties should be prepared for the election; only then will there be peace."
