Nepal’s PM Karki Pledges Timely Elections Amid Political Turmoil

Days after violent protests erupted in Nepal, the interim government led by newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki has reaffirmed its commitment to holding general elections as scheduled on March 5, 2026. The announcement comes on the heels of significant political upheaval following the ousting of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, which was triggered by widespread public discontent primarily among youth groups regarding corruption and restrictions on social media.

In her statement released during the Hindu festival of Bada Dashain, Karki, who took office on September 12, expressed her dedication to ensuring that the elections for the House of Representatives take place on time. According to the news agency PTI, she extended her wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to all Nepalis, both domestically and abroad.

President Ramchandra Paudel also voiced his support for the timely conduct of the elections, urging citizens to remain calm and cooperative. He emphasized the importance of supporting a parliament and government chosen by the people to tackle the nation’s challenges. Paudel stated, “Let the scheduled election be held on time, and let everyone remain calm and extend the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the continuity of a parliament and government chosen by the people…” He concluded with a wish for peace and stability in the country.

In a meeting on September 23, Karki and Paudel discussed the necessary steps for the upcoming elections. Following their discussions, Paudel submitted an ordinance aimed at amending voter registration laws to accommodate new voters ahead of the elections. This move is seen as crucial in ensuring that the electoral process is inclusive and representative.

The current political climate in Nepal is tense, with ongoing demands for transparency and accountability in governance. Following the protests that led to the ousting of Oli, the government is under pressure to restore public trust. The nation has approximately 18,168,000 eligible voters based on the previous parliamentary elections held in 2018.

As Karki’s government prepares for the upcoming elections, the actions taken in the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of Nepal. The commitment to hold elections on the scheduled date reflects a crucial step towards stabilizing a nation that has faced significant political challenges in recent years.