KATHMANDU, Feb 4: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured that the upcoming elections will take place as scheduled. Arguing that there is no reason to postpone the polls, she emphasized that no one has asked the government to delay them.
In a conversation with a group of journalists, PM Karki said, “The government will ensure the elections take place. If there is any disruption, we will address it and hold the elections.”
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She said that even in areas facing challenges, the government will facilitate and conduct the elections without delay. “In case of minor disputes in some locations, measures will be used to facilitate voting. But elections will happen no matter what. This is an emergency. Who could have predicted the events of September 8 and 9? Circumstances now make it necessary to hold elections. The elections will happen, no matter what,” she said.
PM Karki further emphasized that the only way forward is holding elections. “The people will vote. New representatives will be elected. They will run the country,” she said.
When asked about suggestions from various political leaders to postpone the elections, she responded, “The elections will not be postponed. No one has approached the government to delay them. There is no need to postpone. Elections must be held as scheduled.”
Addressing the expenditure associated with the elections, she said, “Though not confirmed, about Rs 31–32 billion has likely been spent so far. While not all of it was for elections, if the polls were not held, the money could have been used for development projects. Now that so much has been spent, the elections must take place. And they will.”
