Prime Minister Sushila Karki recently held a meeting with political parties to create a conducive environment for the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, 2026. Each nationally recognised political party sent two representatives for the discussion. Those invited included representatives of the parties recognised as national parties in the previous election—Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Janamat Party and JSP Nepal (Upendra Yadav). This meeting followed President Ram Chandra Paudel’s all-party meeting, aimed at breaking the deadlock between the government and political parties. Prime Minister Karki had also attended that meeting, during which the President urged all party leaders to participate in the upcoming election to safeguard the constitution. However, distrust toward the government persists, particularly among leaders of the major parties—NC and UML—from the dissolved HoR. Although most parties have agreed to take part in the election, the UML led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned amid the protests, has adopted an especially confrontational stance against the government.
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As the election date approaches, remarks from some political leaders and government ministers have further deepened the mistrust between the government and political parties. For instance, while Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal claimed that a former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka had “fled to the US,” the latter clarified that he had only travelled to India briefly for his wife’s medical treatment. There are also remarks coming from responsible ministers against political party leaders. Such comments from ministers have only fuelled suspicion and resentment among political leaders. It is ultimately up to the people to evaluate political parties and their leaders. Interim government ministers and officials must avoid assuming themselves to be the ultimate decision-makers or “owners” of the country. Prime Minister Karki has repeatedly expressed her commitment to holding the elections and transferring power to an elected government. Unless her actions prove otherwise, it would be unfair to claim that this government will fail to conduct elections. Therefore, all political parties must also act responsibly and constructively as holding free and fair elections on schedule is the only way to restore political normalcy. Instead of casting doubt, they should cooperate with and support the current government in ensuring credible elections during this challenging period.
It is unfortunate that signs have emerged suggesting that some individuals—both within the government and among political parties—wish to see further instability in the country. Durga Prasain-led group has already announced plans to launch an indefinite nationwide protest to change the current system. In this context, it is in the national and democratic interest for Prime Minister Karki and other responsible leaders to remain vigilant against such elements. Attempts to sow discord between political leaders and government are becoming increasingly apparent. Party leaders and ministers, treating each other as adversaries, seem intent on escalating tensions and undermining morale of security personnel and bureaucrats. The government must therefore remain especially alert to prevent such tendencies from gaining ground. Failure to hold elections on time could push the country into an unimaginable crisis—a situation that must be prevented at all costs. Should that happen, history will primarily hold Prime Minister Karki accountable, though the major political party leaders will not be absolved of blame. At this critical juncture, the government must be particularly cautious of those attempting to inflame mistrust and tension and instead work tirelessly to uphold stability, dialogue, and the democratic process.
