Pokhara: Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has announced that the upcoming elections for the House of Representatives (HoR) should take place on March 5, 2026. Addressing a mass meeting of the newly-formed Nepali Communist Party in Pokhara, Prachanda emphasized the need for the government to create a conducive environment for the polls by engaging in discussions with political parties that have significant public backing.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Prachanda stressed the importance of unity among nationalist, leftist, and communist forces in response to the perceived threats to national independence and security. He criticized the previous government’s arrogance, which he believes led to significant losses for the country. Prachanda expressed confidence that his party will become the single largest party in the upcoming elections and pledged to address past weaknesses to promote nationality and good governance.
Prachanda also highlighted that the unification of 16 communist forces was not solely for electoral purposes but aimed at safeguarding national independence and building a foundation for prosperity. Former Prime Minister and Joint Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party, Madhav Kumar Nepal, echoed these sentiments, stating that holding the election on the slated date was essential to ending political instability in the country. He also underscored the need for a strong communist party to protect the nation.
Other notable figures such as former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal called for a system-oriented rather than leader-centric communist party. Leader Bhim Rawal emphasized the importance of the party acknowledging past mistakes and moving forward, while Narayan Kaji Shrestha advocated for the establishment of a communist center and transformation within the party to achieve this goal. Additional leaders, including Dev Prasad Gurung, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhanraj Acharya, Dinanath Sharma, Gayatri Gurung, and Shreenath Baral, also shared their views at the mass meeting.