Kathmandu, November 23 -- With the deadline for political parties to register with the Election Commission drawing near, a fresh political c...
Kathmandu, November 23 -- With the deadline for political parties to register with the Election Commission drawing near, a fresh political controversy is emerging.
The second largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives, CPN-UML, has once again called for the restoration of the House, describing the interim government as "unlawful" in organizing the elections.
Political parties have until November 26 to register with the commission, both as a party and for the March 5 parliamentary elections. However, the UML continues to challenge the legality of the interim government, increasing the uncertainty surrounding the elections.
A temporary government headed by Suhila Karki was established in early September following the removal of the administration led by UML leader KP Sharma Oli by Gen Z activists.
Following his appointment as prime minister, Karki suggested that President Ramchandra Paudel dissolve the House of Representatives and call for fresh elections. The President followed the government's suggestion.
Oli argues that Karki's selection as prime minister is against the constitution, since the constitutional rule requires the prime minister to be a member of the lower house. President Paudel appointed her even though she wasn't a legislator, citing 'special circumstances'.
Speaking at the party's large gathering on Saturday, Oli challenged the current government's right to oversee the elections.
"You [Karki], lack the power to oversee the elections," Oli accused.
He further blamed the former chief justice for gaining authority through fire, theft, and disorder.
"The people within the government are not authorized, as this government was established through violence and chaos," Oli stated.
The group, which has openly excluded itself from participating in elections during the Karki administration, chose to activate its members at all levels—from the local to the central—allegedly to revitalize the organization following the September uprising.
It held meetings and demonstrations in various areas throughout the country on November 8; in total, 753 municipalities on November 11, and at the district level on November 15. As the final event, it organized a large gathering in Kathmandu on Saturday, which the party referred to as a "display of power."
Although Oli has cast doubt on the government's legitimacy, the party remains determined to participate in the elections, stated a UML representative. The issue of a constitutional violation during the formation of the government is certainly present, but this does not imply that the party will avoid the election, the representative added.
"Our party is especially worried about the environmental policies during the election. This government has not established the proper conditions for it," said Yogesh Bhattarai, a party secretary.
Challenging the government for its inability to establish a favorable election atmosphere does not imply we will avoid participating in the voting process.
Bhattarai stated that they will submit the party to the Election Commission before the specified deadline.
Although the head of our party has raised legal concerns about the government's establishment, he has also not stated that the party will not participate in the election, Bhattarai said.
However, not every UML leader supports his viewpoint.
Mahesh Basnet, a party figure aligned with Oli, stated that the party will not take part in the electoral process.
We continue to believe that the interim government will not be capable of conducting the election, and there are concerns regarding the government's formation, so our party will not take part in any of the election processes," Basnet said to the Post. "Instead, we will approach the Supreme Court to demand the restoration of the House.
Oli, speaking to the crowd, stated that the needs of Generation Z can be met by reviving the House, asserting that this revival is the sole path ahead.
If the House is brought back, we can establish a government that includes all political parties and perspectives, and essential changes to the constitution can be made. If certain issues remain unresolved, we can still amend the constitution with the agreement of all involved," Oli suggested. "Only a restored House can create the path to meet the expectations of Generation Z.
He emphasized that there is no substitute for bringing back the House.
On November 18, a gathering of the UML chose to submit a request to the Supreme Court opposing the dissolution of the House.
Speaking to a gathering of political parties registered with the Election Commission, Prime Minister Karki stated on November 19 that calling for the restoration of the House would weaken the democratic system and cause further instability in the nation.
She emphasized the government's dedication to conducting elections on schedule and called on political parties to participate positively in the voting process.
However, a conflict between Gen Z individuals and UML supporters in Simara of Bara on November 20 has sparked worries about election safety.
A political expert states that elections are the proper method to restore the misdirected political process.
The Nepali Congress, the biggest party in the dissolved House, officially chose to participate in the elections on Saturday. According to Krishna Pokhrel, a political science professor, this will also encourage the UML to take part in the election.
"In modern UML, the leadership cannot make all decisions. I also believe the party will not avoid the elections when all other major parties have chosen to participate," Pokhrel stated.
The gathering is issuing bold statements to energize its members. The event organized by the party on Saturday is an element of its electoral campaign.
