Interim Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has emphasized that holding elections on time is crucial for institutionalizing democracy. Speaking at the 16th Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony of the Nepal Forum of Economic Journalists (NAFEJ) in Kathmandu on Sunday, he underlined the necessity of timely elections as one of the three major responsibilities of the current government.
Khanal said that postponing the election date would push the country toward uncertainty, which would further frustrate the youth. He stressed that conducting elections on time, as mandated by the constitution, is the duty of the interim government.
He noted that Nepal is currently on the verge of transformation, but the transformation has not yet been completed. According to him, the Gen-Z movement was not about achieving immediate economic prosperity but was instead focused on curbing corruption and ensuring good governance.
Khanal explained:
“Our country is at the threshold of change, but the change has not yet materialized. The Gen-Z movement was not about demanding economic prosperity within two days. Their demands were simple: end corruption, especially corruption protected by powerful individuals, and ensure good governance so citizens can receive services properly. These demands still stand.”
He added that the events during the movement compelled the previous government to step down, making way for a new one. In this context, he reiterated that elections are indispensable for strengthening democracy, and one of the three responsibilities of the current government — as well as journalists and civil society — is to ensure elections take place on time.
“Postponing elections means pushing the nation toward uncertainty. That uncertainty discourages the youth, and once people become discouraged, their behavior and actions change — something we have witnessed many times,” Khanal said.
The Finance Minister also stressed that all harmful practices and wrongdoings in society must be controlled.