KATHMANDU — The Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives (HoR), has formally decided to participate in the national elections scheduled for March 5 next year, clearing major uncertainty surrounding the polls. A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee (CWC) concluded that elections are the most appropriate solution to the ongoing political stalemate. “We firmly believe that only through elections can we safeguard the constitution and institutionalize the voices raised for change during the Gen-Z protests, thereby moving the country forward,” the NC stated. NC’s announcement significantly improves the prospects of holding elections on the scheduled date, at a time when confusion still prevails.
The decision comes as the second-largest party, CPN-UML, continues street protests demanding the revival of the dissolved HoR. Meanwhile, the Pushpa Kamal Dahal–led Nepali Communist Party, the third largest party in the current political landscape, has already endorsed moving ahead with the elections. The NC emphasized that a fear-free environment is essential for credible elections. However, it expressed alarm over the current security situation, citing:
- Thousands of inmates are still at large
- Large quantities of weapons are missing
- Political parties are unable to conduct programs freely
- Absence of minimum conditions required for elections
Calling these developments “extremely serious,” the party urged the government to immediately strengthen peace and security, raise the morale of security personnel, and ensure a safe atmosphere for citizens. The Nepali Congress also expressed grave concern over the deteriorating peace and security situation, as well as the rise in provocative and anarchic activities in recent days.
“It is unacceptable for any political party, group, or side to incite violence, disturb social harmony, or spread hatred,” the party said. It further stressed that in a democratic system governed by the rule of law, arbitrary bans, emotional prohibitions, or restrictions on peaceful protests and free expression are neither natural nor acceptable.
Such actions, it warned, risk fueling further polarization and violence. The NC urged all sides to avoid the “politics of prohibition,” refrain from violence or provocation, and instead seek solutions through dialogue. “What is needed now is restraint, not provocation; dialogue, not prohibition; trust and understanding, not mistrust,” the statement emphasized. The party also announced that it will take the lead in initiating an all-stakeholder dialogue, including with the Gen-Z community.
