Prime Minister Sushila Kariki, during a meeting with 125 political parties registered at the Election Commission on Wednesday, clarified the government’s commitment to holding elections while also sending a pointed message to the CPN-UML, which is pushing for parliament restoration instead of participating in the polls.
Although UML representatives—including Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali and former House member Mahesh Bartola—attended the meeting, PM Kariki did not name the party directly, but her remarks were clearly directed toward parties demanding parliament restoration.
The four key messages from PM Kariki were as follows:
1. Demands for Parliament Restoration Will Lead to Political Instability
PM Kariki warned that attempts to reverse the post-Gen-Z movement parliament dissolution could trigger further political instability. She emphasized that insisting on parliament restoration now would merely repeat past political failures. She urged parties to focus on the constitutional path of elections as the only legitimate solution.
2. No Avoidance of Elections in a Democracy
She highlighted that parties believing in democracy cannot justify skipping elections. Avoiding elections would be seen as evading constitutional duties. PM Kariki stressed that respecting the public mandate is essential, and parties must not use parliament restoration as an excuse to sidestep their responsibilities.
3. Election Boycotts Could Signal Anarchy
PM Kariki expressed concern that any party refusing to register or boycott elections would be seen as choosing anarchy over protecting democracy. She reminded that political parties are the bearers of democracy, and no election can proceed without their participation. She urged all parties to register with the Election Commission by Mangsir 10, stressing that this deadline is not just administrative but a test of minimal political commitment to the nation.
4. Stop Hate Speech and Maintain Political Discipline
The Prime Minister also expressed concern over leaders using hateful language against the government and the election process. She reminded parties that political ethics and expression must be respected, emphasizing that the government would fully support the Election Commission in taking immediate action against hate speech. PM Kariki called for maintaining decorum, discipline, and civility in political discourse.
These messages come amid rising tensions over the UML’s plans to file a writ seeking the restoration of parliament, claiming the current government was formed unconstitutionally.
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