Political parties are genuinely concerned about the fairness of the upcoming elections. With the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5, the country cannot afford to head to the polls while hundreds of stolen weapons remain missing and fugitives from recent prison breaks remain at large. These issues raise political and moral questions that challenge the government’s ability to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections. Weapons in the hands of unknown groups create fear among the public, undermining the very essence of a peaceful election. Public trust, already shaken by recent turmoil, cannot be restored if the threat of armed violence persists. Each unreturned weapon and every escaped prisoner represents a potential risk to peace. This is why urgent calls from major political parties for the immediate recovery of stolen arms and the capture of fugitives are crucial.
The interim government, led by Sushila Karki, has a primary responsibility to hold the HoR elections. It cannot do so credibly without ensuring that looted weapons are recovered and escaped inmates are returned to prison. Elections hinge on trust, and voters must feel confident that when they step into the polling booth, their safety is assured and their votes are not influenced by fear or intimidation. Without that sense of security, voter turnout could decline, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the elections. The Gen-Z movement, which began as a push against corruption and mismanagement, revealed deep-seated frustrations within society. While its calls for reform were valid, the violence that followed caused lasting damage. Stolen weapons and damaged infrastructure have left a lingering sense of insecurity. Several political figures have stressed that a peaceful election environment cannot be restored until these weapons are recovered and fugitives are back behind bars.
Security agencies brace for March 5 polls amid threat of missin...
Nepal’s political system relies on collective responsibility. In a multiparty framework, all major players must collaborate to maintain order. The upcoming elections are more than just a process to select lawmakers; they represent a chance to restore faith in democracy after a period of uncertainty. The March 5 election is crucial to reinstating constitutional order following the chaos triggered by the Gen-Z movement. But that hope will remain unfulfilled if the government does not ensure a safe environment for all voters. A responsible government must act decisively. Recovering stolen weapons and tracking down fugitives is not optional—it is essential for the legitimacy of any election. Law and order form the very foundation of democracy. When that foundation is weak, everything else can crumble. The March 5 elections will test not only our leaders’ political resolve but also the state and the government’s commitment to peace and justice. Messages from political parties should not be dismissed as empty rhetoric; they serve as a reminder that democracy can only flourish when citizens feel safe to express themselves and make choices that shape their future.
