Chief Ministers pledge support for House elections
Kathmandu, Nov. 2
Chief Ministers of all seven provinces expressed
their readiness to cooperate with the federal government in creating a
conducive environment to hold elections to the House of Representatives on
March 5, 2026
During a meeting with Prime Minister
Sushila Karki in Baluwatar on Sunday, they appreciated Prime Minister Karki’s
efforts to advance dialogue and consultations with political parties and all
concerned stakeholders to create an election-friendly environment in the
country.
The chief ministers voiced their belief
that such initiatives would be fruitful in building a positive atmosphere for
the elections, according to a statement issued by the PM's Office Sunday
evening.
They noted that maintaining peace and
security remains the major challenge for the elections and stressed the need
for serious commitment in this regard. They further remarked that, with mutual
cooperation, coordination, and a spirit of coexistence among the federal,
provincial, and local governments, elections could be successfully held on the
scheduled date.
“I represent the CPN-UML. We are not
against elections. However, the federal government should take the lead in
creating a conducive environment for the polls and must not forget our role in
it. The only way forward now is through elections,” said Yam Lal Kandel, Chief
Minister of Karnali.
The chief ministers suggested that the
federal government should introduce a special package for the reconstruction of
structures damaged during the Gen-Z movement.
"They also expressed concern that the
federal government’s recent circular on expenditure reduction appeared to
interfere with the jurisdiction of the provincial governments," read the
statement.
The circular has directed that no ministry
may appoint more assistants or advisers than permitted by law and that all
projects worth over Rs. 1 million must go through a mandatory competitive
bidding process.
Some chief ministers also voiced suspicion
that, while the government formed after the Gen-Z movement had failed to
undertake judicial and administrative reforms, the circular seemed targeted
mainly at limiting the facilities of provincial political office holders.
Chief Minister of Madhes Province, Jitendra
Prasad Sonar, called for the announcement of relief measures for farmers
affected by droughts and excessive rainfall.
Likewise, the chief ministers also drew
attention to the federal government’s decision to disconnect electricity lines
of industries failing to clear their dues for dedicated feeders, noting that
such a move would negatively impact industries, workers, and government revenue.
Prime Minister Karki said that as political
parties are the custodians of the current system, the government is eager to
hold elections at the earliest and transfer power to a party-based government.
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