The interim PM assured that the general elections will be held on schedule despite recent violent protests. On Bada Dashain festival, she extended her greetings, while President Ramchandra Paudel also urged calm and cooperation for peaceful polls as the nation prepares for March 2026 elections
Nepal's interim PM, Sushila Karki. File pic
Days after violent protests broke out in Nepal, the country is now set to hold the general elections. Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki said that her interim government is committed to holding the general elections on the scheduled time on Monday, reported news agency PTI.
Seventy-three-year-old Karki, who is a former judge, became the PM on September 12, ending days of political uncertainty following the ouster of her precedent KP Sharma Oli after violent protests by a youth-led Gen Z group against his government over corruption and a ban on social media.
In a message on the occasion of Bada Dashain (Vijaya Dashami), one of Nepal's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, PM Karki assured that the elections for the House of Representatives will be held on time, PTI reported, quoting sources privy to the development.
She wished peace, happiness, and prosperity to "all the Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad" in her message.
Nepal’s President, Ramchandra Paudel also appealed for holding the elections on the scheduled date, PTI reported.
Urging citizens to maintain calm and support the continuity of both the government and parliament, Paudel said, "Let the scheduled election be held on time, and let everyone remain calm and extend the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the continuity of a parliament and government chosen by the people, to resolve all types of problems facing the nation, to achieve quick relief from the current situation, and to work for the welfare of the entire nation. "May Goddess Durga provide strength for this."
He also wished for peace, stability, excellent government, and prosperity for the country. On September 23, PM Karki met with President Paudel to discuss the timely holding of the general elections. Soon after the meeting, Paudel submitted an ordinance to change the voter registration laws, allowing new voters' names to be registered ahead of the March 2026 general polls.
President Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on Karki's request and set March 5 as the date for new elections. Currently, the Himalayan nation has 1,81,68,000 eligible voters for the 2018 parliamentary elections.
(With PTI inputs)
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