Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has said that the environment for the elections scheduled for Falgun 21 has already been prepared.
In an interview organized on Friday by the South Korea chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists during his visit to South Korea, Minister Kharel expressed confidence that the elections would be held on the announced date.
“We will hold the elections on Falgun 21; the environment for elections has already been created,” Minister Kharel said. “A secure and fear-free environment has also been ensured. The Nepal Police has new leadership. No political party has said they will boycott the elections. Some parties have shown concern about maintaining a secure environment for the polls.”
Minister Kharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, emphasized that both the government and political parties must work together to create the right environment for the election. He said the interim government formed on the foundation of the JENJI movement has prioritized elections, along with ensuring good governance, controlling corruption, and promoting employment and innovation.
Calling AI and digital transformation the future of Nepal, he said Nepal has recently established a National AI Center. He expressed hope that South Korea—a global leader in digital transformation—would extend further support to Nepal in expanding AI capabilities.
The minister said Nepalis living abroad want peace, stability, and good governance in Nepal.
“You all want to see the country prosper. This government has no intention of doing anything wrong. We may not be able to do everything, but we will certainly not do anything harmful. Within five months, we will establish several key improvements,” he said.
Minister Kharel stated that the government was formed on a constitutional foundation, recognized by all political parties in Nepal and supported by the international community. He added that discussions would be held on the electoral system and governance structure in line with the spirit of the JENJI movement.
He further said, “The electoral system must be improved. We need an all-party dialogue to determine the governance structure and make the election system less expensive. Legal procedures have started to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad. Even through an ordinance, this arrangement will be implemented.”
Minister Kharel said necessary efforts will be made to initiate direct flights by Nepal Airlines between Nepal and South Korea.
Santosh Khadka, acting president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, South Korea chapter, emphasized the need for cooperation to address problems faced by Nepalis in Korea and to strengthen Nepal–Korea relations.
Jemin Adhikari, Second Vice-President of the Nepali Embassy in South Korea, said the embassy is working to protect the rights of Nepalis and strengthen bilateral ties.
NRNA ICC Women Vice-President Junu Gurung said the organization has been coordinating support for Nepali workers in Korea and assisting those facing difficulties.
Participants of the program suggested the need to promote investment in Nepal, especially in energy and tourism, and create a favorable economic environment. They also stressed effective governance and corruption control in line with the JENJI movement and urged the minister to ensure voting rights for Nepalis abroad.
There are an estimated 100,000 Nepalis living in South Korea for employment, business, and study.
Minister Kharel traveled to South Korea on Kartik 25 leading the Nepali delegation to the 11th Global ICT Leadership Forum, held in Seoul and jointly organized by Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the National Information Society Agency (NIA).
He is scheduled to return to Nepal this evening, accompanied by his personal secretary Uddhav Bhattarai.
About the Author
