Days after violent protests erupted in Nepal, the country is now preparing to hold general elections as scheduled.
Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has reaffirmed her interim government’s commitment to conducting the general elections on time. According to news agency PTI, the elections are set for Monday as planned.
Seventy-three-year-old Karki, a former judge, assumed office on September 12, bringing an end to days of political uncertainty. Her appointment followed the ousting of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, which was sparked by violent protests led by a youth-driven Gen Z group. The protests targeted Oli’s government over allegations of corruption and a controversial 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 citizens that the elections for the House of Representatives will go ahead without delay. Quoting sources close to the development, PTI reported that she extended wishes of peace, happiness, and prosperity to “all the Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad.”
Nepal’s President, Ramchandra Paudel, also called for calm and appealed for the elections to be held as scheduled. Urging citizens to support the continuation 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.”
The President additionally wished for peace, stability, effective governance, and prosperity for Nepal.
On September 23, PM Karki met with President Paudel to discuss preparations for the timely holding of the general elections. Following their meeting, the President submitted an ordinance to amend voter registration laws, enabling new voters to register ahead of the March 2026 general polls.
At Karki’s request, President Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives and set March 5, 2026, as the date for the next elections.
Currently, Nepal has approximately 18,168,000 eligible voters registered for the 2018 parliamentary elections.
(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/nepal-pm-sushila-karki-assures-timely-general-elections-after-violent-protests-23596370