The CPN-UML has made public its stance presented during Tuesday’s discussions between Prime Minister Sushila Karki and various political parties.
Through social media, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel shared the party’s 10-point position regarding the country’s latest political situation, the incidents of September 8 and 9 (23rd and 24th of Bhadra), government formation, and the upcoming elections.
According to Pokharel, the UML has emphasized that democracy is a way of life and periodic elections are essential to keep it alive. The party has expressed commitment to finding a solution through elections in a fear-free environment and political cooperation.
Reiterating that it has taken the demands of the JEN(JI) movement positively, the UML stated that criminal and vested-interest groups infiltrated the movement and turned it violent. Therefore, UML has demanded an independent and impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible.
The party has also maintained that the dissolution of the House of Representatives and government formation were unconstitutional and emphasized the need to restore the House to bring the country back on the constitutional path.
Here are the 10 key points UML presented at the Baluwatar meeting:
- UML views the demands raised by the younger generation in the name of the JEN(JI) movement positively. However, it is concerned that criminal and vested-interest elements infiltrated the movement and turned it violent. The party maintains that an independent and impartial investigation must be conducted into the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24, and action should be taken against those responsible.
- UML believes a new government should have been formed constitutionally after the resignation of the then Prime Minister to address political stability and the demands of JEN(JI). The party has claimed that the current government formation and dissolution of parliament were unconstitutional. It insists that restoring the House of Representatives is necessary.
- The current government was formed with a special mandate to resolve the political crisis, restore peace and security, investigate the Bhadra incidents, and hold elections within six months in a fear-free environment. However, due to constitutional complications, its mandate is under challenge.
- The incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24 were tragic and caused human and physical losses. Attacks were carried out on state structures, looting and arson took place, and security forces were weakened. UML has demanded a high-level, independent, and impartial investigation commission.
- UML has opposed the “Karki Commission,” claiming it lacks independence. The party insists on forming a new credible commission to ensure trust and neutrality.
- UML has raised concerns over weaknesses in security management during the incidents, stating that the image and capacity of the state have been damaged. Important state institutions, including Singha Durbar and the Office of the President, came under attack.
- UML stressed that elections must be held in a fear-free environment but said the current security situation is fragile. It noted that weapons looted from the police have not been recovered and many escaped prisoners are still at large.
- UML said excessive force used on September 8 led to large-scale human casualties. It called for a serious investigation into why this happened and criticized the government for taking irresponsible actions without sufficient evidence.
- UML emphasized that major political parties must be allowed to operate freely before elections. Elections without main parties would lack legitimacy. It accused some groups of running parallel power centers and demanded government action.
- UML stated that political parties are essential for organizing people in a democracy and that NGOs cannot replace political movements. It warned that some groups working under the name of JEN(JI) may have tried to turn the movement violent.
The party concluded that political dialogue, constitutional order, and a fair election environment are essential to resolve the current crisis.
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