Kathmandu, November 23 -- The Nepali Congress has formally announced its intention to take part in the elections set for March 5. This stand...
Kathmandu, November 23 -- The Nepali Congress has formally announced its intention to take part in the elections set for March 5. This stands in clear opposition to its previous coalition ally and the second biggest party in the dissolved House of Representatives, the CPN-UML, which is advocating for the reinstatement of the House.
The nation's largest and oldest political party is still split on whether to conduct a standard national convention or an extraordinary one, considering the extensive political shifts caused by the September Gen Z uprising.
Following a month-long central working committee meeting, the Congress announced on Saturday its official decision to take part in the elections. "We strongly believe that only through elections can we protect the Constitution, institutionalize the calls for change emerging from the Gen-Z movement, and advance the nation," states the party's decision released after the meeting.
Although some members of Congress gathered signatures to demand the reinstatement of the House, which was dissolved by President Ramchandra Paudel on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Shushila Karki on September 12, the party's official stance is anticipated to exert pressure on the UML to take part in the March elections.
As of Saturday, the UML has clearly separated itself from participating in the elections and stated that its demonstrations will continue until the House is reinstated.
We will keep demonstrating our power until the House is restored," said KP Sharma Oli, chairman of UML, at a large gathering in Kathmandu on Saturday. "We plan to organize even bigger and stronger demonstrations in the coming days until the House of Representatives is reinstated. This request is not merely for the purpose of making a demand; it is a demand that needs to be met.
On the other hand, the Congress has also chosen to register with the Election Commission for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25 next year, as well as the upcoming House elections.
In this regard, the Congress party mentioned that Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel from the Congress Central Office has been assigned the responsibility of carrying out all legal procedures, including the party's registration with the Election Commission.
The Congress has also outlined certain requirements for conducting free, fair, and secure elections.
A setting free from fear is essential for the elections, stated the Congress. Nevertheless, the present scenario, in which thousands of inmates who escaped from prisons in September are still at large, hundreds of weapons are unaccounted for, and political parties are unable to campaign without restrictions, is highly concerning.
The party emphasized in its statement that the Congress strongly recommends the government to promptly enhance peace and safety, raise the spirits of security forces, and maintain a tranquil environment for the general population.
More than a month ago, the Congress central committee meeting examined different elements of Nepali politics following the September 8-9 Gen Z protest.
On September 9, the country experienced extreme destruction and chaos, with the challenge of saving the nation and safeguarding the constitution becoming critical. In the absence of a working government and to meet the demands of the protesting Gen Z youth while ensuring peace and security, the President had to nominate an interim prime minister not affiliated with Parliament. However, the Nepali Congress clearly stated that a resolution could have been found within Parliament as outlined by the constitution," according to the Congress decision.
The party also reminded of its decision made in September 19 that the dissolution of Parliament went against the constitution's intent and conflicted with the court's stance.
The termination of Parliament is against the constitution. This action has endangered democratic progress. The Congress strongly holds that a resolution can be achieved within the constitutional boundaries. Since the matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, the Nepali Congress believes the ultimate decision will be made by the court.
The party has also raised worries regarding certain chaotic actions taking place throughout the nation under the banner of various organizations.
The party's official statement says that the Congress is deeply worried about the law and order situation and the growing number of aggressive and chaotic actions taking place recently. In this critical time, it is not acceptable for any political party, group, or faction to encourage violence under any excuse, disturb social peace, or promote agitation or hatred.
The party also raised worries about certain recent actions aimed at political parties and their operations. Just this week, because of conflicts between UML members and Gen Z supporters, the party's planned gathering was blocked, and UML leaders could not travel to Bara as a result of the protests by the young activists.
In a democratic system that operates under the rule of law, it is neither natural nor acceptable to arbitrarily ban individuals or to try to limit peaceful protests and the right to free speech, stated the Congress. These actions go against the core principles of the constitution and heighten the likelihood of greater division and violence within society.
Thus, at this moment, self-control—rather than incitement; communication—rather than restriction; confidence—rather than suspicion—is essential. The Nepali Congress urges all relevant parties to refrain from taking the route of violence or provocation, to steer clear of restrictive politics, and to find resolutions through dialogue with patience and accountability.
The party also mentioned that in such a scenario, a multi-party national dialogue is crucial to respond to the calls for change made by the Gen Z movement.
The Congress urged the groups represented in the now-dissolved House, new parties that arose following the protests, Generation Z members, civil society organizations, academics, the business sector, media professionals, and other relevant parties to participate in discussions and create a common national consensus. The party has committed to taking action in this regard.
The party's ongoing central working committee meeting has been unable to determine whether the Congress will convene its 15th general assembly or a special session because of disagreements between the two party groups.
Half of the elected representatives at the general convention have called for a special convention, as the term and authority of all elected officials end in mid-December.
A group of leaders closely associated with party head Sher Bahadur Deuba support conducting the convention only after the elections, potentially by April, whereas the opposing faction, led by general secretaries Gagan Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, and Shekhar Koirala, is pushing for either a special or regular convention to take place by the end of December.
There is additional division within the Deuba group. Up to 25 central committee members who support Deuba are in favor of organizing a convention before the elections.
Will host a special convention: Thapa
General Secretary Thapa, who has strongly advocated for a shift in party leadership, especially following the Gen Z uprising, stated that an extraordinary assembly is now unavoidable.
Speaking with reporters at the party headquarters on Saturday, Thapa mentioned that while he had submitted a plan outlining a schedule for a regular general convention, the central leaders stated it was not feasible, leaving a special convention as the only practical choice.
Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat mentioned that the party is aiming for a consensus on the convention. The upcoming meeting on November 27 will address and resolve the matter regarding the general convention or special convention.
Congress President Deuba, who has recently come back from Singapore after receiving medical care, has accelerated discussions with various party groups to identify a shared position on the convention.
Although he opposes holding a party convention by the end of December, certain associates of his recommend postponing it until after the March elections, according to a source close to Thapa.
Mahat mentioned that by considering the feelings of those calling for a special convention, a schedule for a standard convention would be introduced.
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