Kathmandu: At a time when the government has claimed that it was making preparations for the March 5 election to the House of Representatives, the political parties expressed concern over the security situation for the democratic exercise.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the parties are calling for the arrest of inmates who escaped from prisons and the return of arms looted by demonstrators during the Gen Z protest. They argue that the election cannot be held in a peaceful and fair atmosphere unless the inmates and arms are under state control. The government is therefore reminded to pay heed to this serious concern.
Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Nepali Congress leader Shyam Kumar Ghimire emphasized the pressing issue of whether the country can hold the House of Representatives election in a peaceful atmosphere, noting that a favorable environment has not been seen so far. He demanded that the government bring to book those involved in the arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protest.
Ghimire expressed concern over the looted weapons and criminals not being under state control, which he believes instills fear while going for the election. He questioned the morale of security personnel under such conditions. However, he affirmed that Nepali Congress, as a democratic political party, does not shy away from elections and will present clear views on election and contemporary issues after its meeting.
Similarly, Madhav Sapkota of CPN (Maoist Centre) emphasized that neither the government nor political parties can avoid the election at present. He stressed the importance of returning the looted weapons and taking control of escaped prisoners to create a peaceful atmosphere for the March 5 election. Sapkota underscored that this is necessary not only for the election but also for social security, law and order, and harmony.
Sapkota believes that if the government works actively by boosting the morale of police personnel, the election can be held successfully. He urged political parties to cooperate with the government, which should focus on earning political trust.
The central committee meeting of the Maoist Centre decided that the election is the solution to the current political crisis. Moreover, CPN UML leader Mahesh Bartaula stated that the election is the only measure to bring the derailed constitution and democracy back on track. He noted that the parliament’s sudden dissolution needs restoration, emphasizing the need for a fear-free atmosphere for the election.
Ram Prakash Chaudhary of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party highlighted the necessity of peace and security to hold the election in a free and fair manner. He demanded the return of seized weapons and the capture of escaped prisoners, urging political parties and people to learn from past mistakes.
Chitra Bahadur KC, Chairman of the Rastriya Janamorcha, indicated that his party’s central committee meeting would clarify its position on recent developments in the country. He expressed concern over the significant loss during the Gen Z protest, which he argued was waged for good governance.