Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday held talks with CPN-UML leaders, even as the party has been labeling her government “unconstitutional.” During the meeting, the Prime Minister urged the UML to cooperate institutionally in the election process.
The discussion was held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar after the UML— which had previously argued that elections could not be held— proceeded to register for the House of Representatives election. In the meeting, PM Karki called on the UML to take the lead in participating in the elections, assuring them that the government is working to address the security concerns and other issues the party has raised.
According to UML leader Mahesh Bartola, the party conveyed that the matter of government formation is currently under constitutional review and that other issues can move forward only after the court delivers its decision. “We, along with others, have approached the Supreme Court. The issue of government formation is under constitutional scrutiny,” Bartola said. “We are not confident that elections can be held on Falgun 21.”
UML leaders also expressed doubts about the environment for free and fair elections, citing a lack of trust and security. “There must be peace, security, and a fear-free atmosphere. Even voters are not in a comfortable position to come to the polling centers and freely exercise their choice,” Bartola added.
