KATHMANDU, Oct 18: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has announced that the party will not take part in the upcoming elections, saying its immediate focus will be on reinstating the House of Representatives (HoR)—which he described as the “only viable way forward.”
Concluding his remarks at Friday’s Central Committee meeting, Oli declared that the UML will launch a nationwide mobilisation campaign to advocate for Parliament’s reinstatement.
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However, the statement sparked internal dissent, with two vice-chairpersons—Yubaraj Gyawali and Asta Laxmi Shakya—openly expressing disagreement, causing a brief commotion in the meeting hall.
According to Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, the UML decided to coordinate with pro-constitution and pro-democracy forces for the campaign, citing the ongoing Supreme Court review and the party’s long-held policy of not boycotting elections. “The suggestions by Vice-Chair Gyawali, supported by Asta Laxmi Shakya, emphasised that the reinstatement issue should be pursued as a public awareness campaign rather than a full-scale mobilisation,” Gautam said.
The Standing Committee concluded that reinstating Parliament is vital to safeguard the political system and preserve the democratic republic. The meeting also resolved that the ongoing political crisis must be steered back onto a constitutional path through measures that protect both democracy and the republic.
