KATHMANDU, Nov 28: CPN-UML leaders on Thursday told Prime Minister Sushila Karki that the party will fully participate in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections but raised concerns about the travel restriction imposed on party Chair KP Sharma Oli.
During a meeting at Baluwatar in the evening, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali and leader Mahesh Bartaula said the recent incidents involving escaped detainees and stolen weapons had created an atmosphere not conducive to a free and fearless election.
The interim government led by PM Karki is planning to hold HoR election on March 5, 2026. “UML is a party that has long struggled to uphold democratic values and has never shied away from being tested by the people. We are not afraid—we prefer to go among the people,” Bartaula told reporters after the meeting.
Oli dodges questions over Giri Bandhu case, tells media to 'ask...
He said the UML delegation urged the prime minister to ensure an enabling environment for the polls, adding that key issues would be settled once the Supreme Court (SC) concludes its constitutional review process.
Prime Minister Karki, according to sources, said the government was working to create a harmonious environment for the elections.
UML leaders also strongly raised the issue of imposing the travel restriction on Oli with the intention of obstructing the electoral process. The restriction, they argued, hampers the party chair’s ability to participate in essential election-related activities.
“Imposing a travel ban on the leader of a major political force with a strong public mandate suggests the government is not serious about holding elections,” Bartaula said. “Election procedures, public outreach and campaign activities must not be obstructed in a democracy. We drew the prime minister’s serious attention to the discomfort this situation has created.”
According to Bartaula, Prime Minister Karki did not respond to their questions regarding the restriction.
The commission investigating alleged excesses during the recent Gen Z uprising on September 8 and 9 has barred then-prime minister and UML chair Oli from leaving the Kathmandu Valley. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung have also been restricted until the probe concludes.
Prime Minister Karki—appointed with the backing of the Gen Z uprising—had earlier expressed reluctance to meet top political leaders. However, she has lately been holding consultations with second-tier party leaders. Although there were indications she might soon meet senior leaders as well, Thursday’s meeting did not include any such discussion, Bartaula said.
