Appointed after the recent Gen-Z movement in early September, Karki said holding the vote on time is a national responsibility she has accepted and that the army must help deliver it “without any violence.”
Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday visited the Nepal Army Headquarters and asked the service to take the lead in ensuring peaceful parliamentary elections scheduled March 5 next year.
Appointed after the recent Gen-Z movement in early September, Karki said holding the vote on time is a national responsibility she has accepted and that the army must help deliver it “without any violence.”
The visit came against a backdrop of continuing non-cooperation by several major parties, some of which have refused to recognise the government’s legitimacy, fuelling doubts if deadline can be met.
Karki’s remarks suggested a departure from past practice: the army, she implied, would now lead security arrangements, with the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police in supporting roles.
Karki told the army to ensure the polls occur in a fair, fearless atmosphere “with not a single drop of blood spilled, or anyone injured.” She also sought assurances that normal political activity and movement would not be curtailed, even as certain leaders and officials face restrictions.
