Nepal’s Interim PM Sushila Karki Pledges Free and Fair Elections Within Six Months
Kathmandu, October 17 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday reaffirmed her government’s firm commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections within six months, promising a peaceful transition of power to a democratically elected government.
Speaking at a high-level interaction with heads of missions, diplomats, and development partners in Kathmandu, Karki said the interim administration’s single mandate is to deliver credible elections and restore full democratic governance in the Himalayan nation.
“Sole Mandate Is Elections, Nothing Else,” Says PM Karki
In her address, Prime Minister Karki made it clear that her non-political, transitional government has no agenda beyond ensuring fair elections to the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026.
“This non-political, transitional government has one sole and non-negotiable mandate: to hold free, fair, and impartial general elections to the House of Representatives on March 5 next year,” she stated.
“We are committed to a maximum six-month term, after which we will peacefully hand over power to a democratically elected government.”
She also appealed to the international community for support and observation of the elections, noting that previous foreign monitoring had strengthened transparency and credibility in Nepal’s democratic processes.
Focus on Security, Legal Frameworks, and Voter Confidence
Karki, who also holds the Foreign Affairs portfolio, assured diplomats that the government is investing all its energy and state resources into creating a secure and conducive electoral environment.
“Our entire focus and the state's resources are being directed toward creating the necessary conditions—security, legal frameworks, and logistical preparation—for credible elections,” she said.
The Prime Minister added that the administration is empowering the Election Commission, enhancing security arrangements, and maintaining dialogue with political parties and Gen-Z representatives who played a key role in the country’s recent civic movements.
Political Reactions and Concerns Over Election Environment
Former Prime Ministers K. P. Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had previously expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive atmosphere for the polls.
Oli, chair of the CPN (UML), accused the interim government of attempting to settle political scores, while Deuba and Dahal questioned its neutrality.
Amid these criticisms, reports surfaced that the Karki-led administration has initiated investigations into the sources of income of former premiers, including Oli, Deuba, and Dahal.
Addressing the issue, Karki said her government is determined to conduct credible, transparent, and impartial probes into allegations of corruption among high-profile leaders.
“No one is above the law,” she declared, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
From Gen-Z Protests to Political Transition
The rise of Sushila Karki’s interim government followed the Gen-Z movement, which began as an online protest against social media restrictions and evolved into a nationwide anti-corruption uprising.
The movement led to the collapse of the Oli-led administration and sparked a broader political awakening across Nepal’s youth population.
Public outrage intensified after large sums of burnt cash were discovered at the residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, following an arson attack — an incident that further exposed the country’s deep-rooted corruption.
Nepal’s Anti-Money Laundering Agency has since launched an investigation into the case, pledging transparency and accountability.
Reconstruction and Economic Challenges
In her address, Prime Minister Karki also acknowledged the widespread damage to public and private property during the Gen-Z protests, calling for international assistance in reconstruction efforts.
“The reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged during the movement are urgent,” she said. “We welcome support from our development partners in these efforts.”
According to government estimates, public infrastructure losses exceed NPR 100 billion, while private sector damages are valued at over NPR 80 billion.
Building Trust Through Accountability and Reform
Diplomatic observers view Karki’s outreach to the international community as a crucial step in restoring confidence in Nepal’s governance and reinforcing the rule of law.
By engaging with global partners and inviting election observers, the interim government aims to assure stakeholders that Nepal’s democratic transition will be peaceful, inclusive, and transparent.
Analysts note that Karki’s insistence on a six-month timeline reflects her intent to maintain public trust and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued previous transitional administrations.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s assurance signals a defining moment in Nepal’s democratic trajectory. Her emphasis on accountability, electoral integrity, and international cooperation reflects a renewed spirit of reform in the country’s political landscape. As Nepal prepares for its general elections, the coming months will test whether the interim government can truly transform public disillusionment into democratic resilience — a test that will shape the nation’s future for years to come.