PM Karki reviews election preparation in Himalayan districts

Kathmandu, Feb. 13

While preparing for the forthcoming election and assessing the situation in the Himalayan districts, Prime Minister Sushila Karki held interactions with local residents and government officials in the Pathibhara and Phungling areas of Taplejung on Friday.

She offered prayers at the renowned pilgrimage site of Pathibhara early morning, and interacted with local people and pilgrims from various sectors gathered there, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Stating that she had visited the shrine to pray for the success of the election and urged everyone to participate by casting their votes. "Please play your part from your respective places to make the election peaceful. This election is not a routine one like previous regular polls. It is being held under special circumstances. It must provide an outlet for the country. This is an election that will shape the nation’s future,” she said.

She was welcomed at Pathibhara by Rakki Thebe, Chairperson of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, and priest Dilliram Paudel, among others.

From Pathibhara, Prime Minister Karki travelled to Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung, on Friday, where she held discussions with government officials.

Chief Election Officer and District Judge Bikash Shrestha, Chief District Officer Shiva Raj Sedhain, Commander Umesh Khadka of the Nepal Army’s Durgadal Company, Taplejung Police Chief Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam, and Armed Police Force No. 1 Company Headquarters Kanchenjunga Commander and DSP Pramod Prakash Pathak, among others, briefed the Prime Minister on election preparations and the security situation.

According to CDO Sedhain, Taplejung, which has 90,327 voters and a single election constituency has designated 82 polling stations, including two temporary ones. Of these, four polling stations are located in geographically remote and high Himalayan areas.

Although the weather has so far remained normal with no significant adverse conditions, he noted that snowfall could make it difficult for staff to travel for polling duties. He also requested arrangements for transporting ballot boxes by helicopter.

Sedhain further stated that the security situation in Taplejung has remained normal so far, with no untoward incidents, and that close coordination among all four security agencies has ensured confidence that election activities can be conducted smoothly in the coming days.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Karki directed that the election be conducted in such a way that it would set a benchmark for the future in terms of peace, security, integrity, and economy. “Your efforts in preparing for the election are commendable. Seeing your dedication has further strengthened my confidence,” she said.

According to PM Karki, March 5 election is a significant milestone in transforming the country into a new phase. "As it will have a long-term impact on the life of the nation, we must all demonstrate the corresponding seriousness and sense of responsibility. Therefore, this election must set a standard for the future — in peace, security, integrity, and cost-effectiveness. Please ensure that it does so, by all means,” she said.

Prime Minister Karki returned to Kathmandu on Friday after completing her two-day visit. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 February 2026.