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Following the Nepali Congress’s ambiguous stance on forming a pre-election alliance, the ruling and second-largest party in Parliament, CPN-UML, has decided to contest the 2027 national elections alone. This decision comes amid reports suggesting an understanding between the two parties not to form a pre-poll alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center).

If this plan materializes, it will mark the first time since the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections that the three major parties—NC, UML, and Maoist—will contest the elections separately. In the 2013 elections, the NC secured the first position, the UML polled in second, and the Maoists finished a distant third. Since 2017, these parties have regularly formed electoral alliances for both local and national elections. Within the UML, there is optimism that if the NC and the Maoists do not form an alliance, the party could emerge as the largest due to its strong grassroots organization. Since the 2022 national elections, the UML has been actively engaging in various campaigns in preparation for the 2027 national elections.

UML leaders say after handing over power to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba as per the current agreement, the party will fully focus on the elections. However, they recognize the challenges posed by the rise of new political parties, particularly the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and the growing disillusionment among the youth with traditional political parties. The decisions of the NC and UML not to form pre-election alliances are seen as a significant setback for the Maoist Center, which has managed to retain its third position through electoral alliances either with the NC or the UML. 

The UML is now planning an ambitious third phase of its campaign, aimed at securing a single-party majority in the 2027 elections. After the ‘Mission Grassroots’ and ‘Mid-hills Resolution March’ campaigns, the party is brainstorming a new initiative to expand its influence nationwide. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel presented a comprehensive 33-page plan during a Politburo meeting on Tuesday.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli made it clear that the party will not enter any electoral alliances for the 2027 elections. He directed party leaders to focus on securing a single majority and emphasized the importance of strengthening provincial committees and developing grassroots plans. Oli also called for unity within the party and the resolution of internal disputes to ensure effective election preparations. He reaffirmed his commitment to handing over power to the NC as per the current agreement, stating, “The transition will occur on schedule. This government will remain in office for the next one year, 10 months, and 15 days.”

UML General Secretary Pokharel’s action plan includes a target of increasing party membership to one million within 18 months. The plan suggests achieving this by recruiting three percent of total voters at the ward level and 6 percent at the municipal and district levels. To strengthen the party organization, the UML plans to hold transparent and regular conventions at all levels and prioritize consensus-based leadership selection, though fair elections will be held when necessary.

Pokharel also proposed assigning suitable responsibilities to those stepping down from leadership roles during conventions. He noted that neglecting the management of individuals who step down, retire, or join from other parties during conventions has created confusion within the party. The proposal stresses the importance of managing these individuals as part of the broader campaign for political consolidation.

The UML also plans to implement a systematic evaluation process for party leaders at all levels, including central committee members and office bearers, to ensure accountability and effectiveness. Pokharel’s proposal states that the  general secretary will evaluate the performance of central committee members and report to the party chairperson, who will be responsible for evaluating the work of central office bearers.

Additionally, the party aims to promote institutional decision-making through secretariat or full committee meetings to resolve internal conflicts and strengthen unity. The UML also proposes establishing permanent party schools at various levels to provide ideological training for both new and existing members. The plan includes creating a training curriculum and producing trainers to conduct these sessions.

To achieve the goals of its ‘Mission 2027’ campaign, the UML plans to effectively mobilize its ministers in the federal government and local representatives to promote its achievements and implement people-centric policies. The proposal emphasizes the need to maintain efficient party offices and enhance public relations and communication strategies. To strengthen its financial base, the party plans to systematically collect levies from members and explore potential income sources. The proposal also calls for party leaders and cadres to maintain simple lifestyles and high moral standards to preserve public trust.

The UML has identified leadership development, strengthening and expanding party organizations, youth engagement, public relations, and overseas party work as its five priority areas. The successful implementation of these decisions will largely depend on the future of the current coalition with the NC. If this alliance breaks down and Maoist Center Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal re-emerges as a kingmaker, there is a high likelihood of a reversal in these plans. 

At this point, Dahal is likely to support either UML or NC only if a pre-poll alliance is in place, as this is crucial for retaining his party’s strength. Major parties also fear that the RSP and the emergence of new independent candidates could pose significant challenges in the upcoming elections.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has demanded information pertaining to the project with suspected irregularities in the gas production company operating in Jhapa.

The party has demanded detailed information of all the activities being carried out there with the Kankai-Birta-Arjun Renewable Energy and Waste Management Company built at Sukedangi in Kankai-2, Jhapa with the joint investment of World Bank, local bodies and consumers.

A team of Rastriya Prajatantra Party central member Khusbu Oli and RPP Jhapa Chairman Keshav Prasad Ojha has demanded details in writing of the project with Kankai Municipal Chief Rajendra Kumar Pokharel with suspected irregularities.

The cost of the project, which started at Rs 140 million, has now reached Rs 220 million.

According to the Right to Information Act 2064, the government and public agencies must provide the information demanded by any citizen.

Pokharel is the coordinator of the project’s high-level mechanism.

“The detailed project report of the project which was finalized at Rs 140 million with 40 percent investment from the World Bank and 60 percent investment from the remaining three municipalities and local consumers, is now in a state of closure. Costs are constantly increasing. But there has been no progress,” Oli said after registering the application, adding, “Even the financial report has not been made public. Even the assembly meeting could not be held.”

Oli said that this project was started with an ambitious plan to deliver gas to every house without any pre plan and management.

She further said that there is enough room to suspect irregularities as the project is on the verge of closure.

According to her, the project has not progressed.

Saying that many people will lose their money if this project is closed, Oli said that she demanded the information as per the Right to Information Act to draw the attention of the stakeholders immediately.

Kankai, Arjundhara and Birtamod Municipalities of Jhapa established a company with an objective to produce biogas from waste in partnership with the World Bank and the private sector.

More than 750 consumers have invested from Rs 10, 000 to Rs 10 million in the plant.

“It is the right of the people to know about the progress of the project according to the investment and other aspects of it. This is why I have taken this initiative as a responsible citizen, a local and a politician,” she said.

Oli was of the opinion that the right to information will help in maintaining good governance and transparency as well as in controlling corruption.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that it is the responsibility of each State to respect the voting rights of the citizens.

Inaugurating the 12th Conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) today, the Prime Minister said the elections is the means of demonstrating people's aspirations and mandate.

"In South Asia, we share many common challenges. From ensuring voting rights and addressing diaspora issues to fostering fair competition and coexistence among political parties, our experiences often run parallel. From movements for independence to struggles for comprehensive democracy, the leaders of South Asia have made unparalleled sacrifices for the cause; we have earned the high esteem of our people. However, weaknesses in post-movement management and ineffective service delivery, amidst the high expectations of our citizens, have allowed autocratic and regressive forces to challenge our democracies time and again."

Ensuring universal suffrage, and conducting free, fearless, accountable, and transparent elections where governance is determined by the people’s choice, is the only solution to such manipulation against honest and innocent citizens, he added.

According to the Prime Minister, each citizen shall have the opportunity to exercise the right to vote no matter where they are.  Our efforts will be for enabling an atmosphere towards that end, he said, adding that it is warranted to work collectively to simplify the election procedures as per the aspirations of the citizens residing at home and abroad among opportunities and challenges induced by migration, climate change and social media.   

"Climate change, as we all understand, is far more than an environmental issue; it touches every facet of our societies. From rising sea levels and melting Himalayan glaciers to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters, the impacts of climate change threaten our ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote. As leaders in election management, we must confront these challenges head-on and develop strategies that protect the integrity of our electoral processes, even in the face of such adversity," Prime Minister Oli said.

He added that "migration, too, presents its own set of unique challenges. The movement of people across borders and within our own countries has profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote. In a region where countries serve as both sources and destinations of migration, we share the burden of addressing issues such as managing large numbers of foreign arrivals while also accommodating our citizens abroad. With often insufficient infrastructure, we face significant challenges in ensuring that no citizen is disenfranchised due to their circumstances. We must explore ways to include our diaspora in the democratic process, ensuring their right to have a voice in the future of their homeland."

Social media and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we engage with voters and conduct elections. While these tools offer unparalleled opportunities for outreach and participation, they also bring risks—risks of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and manipulation that can erode trust in our democratic institutions. As we embrace these technologies, we must do so with caution and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability, according to the government head.

The Prime Minister informed the gathering that climate change, migration, the rise of social media, and the role of artificial intelligence will be discussed by relating to the election management.

He expressed his hope that the Conference will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the FEMBOSA charter, reinforcing our collective efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the region. "Together, let us ensure that the outcomes of this gathering resonate far beyond these walls, fostering a future where every election truly reflects the will of the people."

During the opening session, Forum Chairperson Dasho Sonam Topgay, the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan, handed the Forum leadership to Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya.

The two-day event is attended by Chief Election Commissioners and representatives from the South Asian nations including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The 11th Conference of FEMBOSA was organized virtually two years ago under the chair of Bhutan.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that providing quality services to citizens is the government's top priority.

Speaking at the inauguration of a newly-constructed building for the Nepal Police's Provincial Office in Mahendranagar today, he expressed his belief that the new facility will enhance the police's ability to serve the public more effectively.

During the ceremony, the Home Minister acknowledged that the Nepal Police is bound to function amidst limited resources and called for improved competency in investigations to meet contemporary demands. He highlighted the growing challenge of cybercrime, which has, as he said, caused additional responsibilities for the police.

Minister Lekhak also said that the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML coalition government was formed on the basis of the seven-point agreement between the two major political parties. He asserted that this collaboration aims to address key national issues, referencing historical instances where the Congress and UML have worked together on significant matters, such as drafting the interim constitution and advancing the peace process.

The Minister urged one and all to have confidence in the implementation of the seven-point agreement.

Inspector General of Nepal Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, stated that delivering quality service to citizens remains a priority for the Nepal Police. He added that the police are currently focusing on infrastructure development to support this goal. He said that effective crime investigation relies heavily on infrastructure, legal frameworks, and the society's cooperation.

The Nepal Police had awarded the construction contract for the new building to Ashish Construction on December 15, 2022 at a cost of Rs 132.6 million.