Kathmandu — The CPN-UML has indicated that it will stand in favor of holding elections. Party General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, who visited the party headquarters to observe the damage caused by vandalism and arson during the Gen-Z protests, said the interim government led by Sushila Karki must move ahead with conducting elections on the scheduled date.
“This government is an interim one, and its duty is to conduct elections. By ensuring peace and security, the focus should be on holding polls on time. All democratic parties in Nepal must go to the people and seek their mandate,” he said.
Pokharel added that the streets cannot always be the medium for gaining public opinion. “The street should not be the way to obtain public opinion. Once a historic change has been consolidated into the constitution, that constitution must be the foundation of transformation.
If not, the country will never advance on the path of prosperity and development. If we continue to seek solutions only through the streets, stability and development will not be possible,” he explained. The interim government under Karki has announced that the House of Representatives election will be held on March 5.
Pokharel also noted that the September 9 protest had turned violent, causing damage to the CPN-UML party office as well as to the property of leaders and cadres. He added that despite the destruction, the UML would commemorate Constitution Day by standing on the ruins left behind by the protests.
“This time, we want to make a commitment to realize the vision of the constitution, standing on the ashes of our damaged structures. We have already instructed our members across all 77 districts. In Kathmandu Valley, our comrades will organize Constitution Day programs at the party headquarters,” he said.
Constitution Day is observed annually on September 19.
