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The Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with political parties to discuss the House of Representatives election slated for March 5 next year.

Invitations were sent to political parties that were part of the dissolved House of Representatives (HoR) and those that secured at least one ward member in the last election, encouraging them to join in the preparations for the forthcoming election.

Meen Bishwakarma, Head of the Publicity Department of Nepali Congress; Guru Baral, Vice Chair of the CPN-UML; Dev Gurung, Secretariat Member of the CPN (Maoist Center); Kabindra Burlakoti, General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP); Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Senior Vice Chair of the CPN (Unified Socialist); along with representatives from various other parties were present in the meeting.  

During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari called on the parties to take an active role in fostering an election atmosphere now that the election has been announced and preparations are underway.

Following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, the government was established under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, leading to the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with the upcoming election date confirmed for March 5 next year.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, who is currently in the United States to attend the World Bank's annual meeting, held a discussion with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Wednesday.

It has been learnt that matters related to progress, achievements and challenges of projects being implemented in Nepal were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Nepal's Ambassador to the United States Lokdarshan Regmi, Economic Consular Yugraj Pandey of the Embassy, members of the visiting delegation and senior officials of the ADB.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has called for an immediate reinstatement of the House of Representatives that was dissolved in the wake of the Sept 8-9 GenZ protests. He has also announced a national movement to “protect the constitution, democracy, and national unity,” while alleging that a deep-rooted conspiracy was behind the violent incidents that followed the GenZ protests.

Presenting a political document at the party’s central committee meeting on Wednesday, Oli said the tragic events were not random but part of a premeditated design aimed at destabilizing the nation and overturning the current constitutional order.

“The incidents of Sept 8-9 were not spontaneous public anger. It was a planned act to push the country into crisis and to destroy democracy and national unity,” Oli said, addressing the committee.

The UML report claimed that over 1,600 public and private properties were torched, vandalized, or looted, and that more than 14,000 prisoners were freed from jails across the country, with thousands still at large. It also alleged that around 1,200 weapons and nearly 100,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen from police and security forces.

“These events were too widespread, too coordinated, and too well-timed to be coincidental,” the document stated, alleging that certain domestic and foreign forces had taken advantage of public frustration to weaken Nepal’s sovereignty.

Oli strongly criticized the current caretaker government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, calling it “illegal, directionless, and incompetent.” He accused the government of failing to ensure public security, obstructing the constitutional rights of political parties, and creating instability by dissolving the House, instead of finding a democratic solution.

“The current government has no constitutional or moral legitimacy. It is incapable of holding credible elections and maintaining law and order,” Oli said, calling for the immediate reinstatement of Parliament.

Rejecting the government-formed inquiry commission as politically motivated, the UML demanded an independent and impartial high-level investigation led by a former Supreme Court justice to determine the causes of the violence and hold those responsible accountable.

Oli said his party would not accept any attempt to cover up the incident or to blame only the security forces without looking into the larger conspiracy behind the unrest.

The document also warned that thousands of escaped inmates and stolen arms pose a continuing threat to public safety. Oli urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, while calling on the state to restore morale among the security forces who, he said, “acted under impossible circumstances to protect national property and lives.”

While condemning the violence, Oli acknowledged that the GenZ protesters had raised genuine concerns about corruption, unemployment, and governance. He said the UML recognizes these frustrations but warned that “foreign-influenced groups” may have tried to hijack the movement for destructive purposes. “The voices of the youth must be heard and addressed through reforms, not violence,” he said, calling on young people to channel their energy toward constructive democratic engagement.

The UML has resolved to launch a nationwide campaign—described as a “people’s movement for the protection of the constitution”—to press for the restoration of parliamentary democracy. Oli urged all pro-constitutional forces, civil society members, and citizens to join what he termed a peaceful struggle for national stability and democratic integrity.

He also announced that the UML’s 11th General Convention will be held in Pokhara on Dec 13-15, where the party will finalize its next political strategy. “We will not let conspiracies derail the achievements of our people’s struggle,” Oli declared. “The UML will stand at the forefront to defend the constitution, democracy, and national sovereignty.”

The central committee is expected to endorse Oli’s political document and approve a roadmap for mass mobilization in the coming days. The party leadership said it will focus on exposing what it calls the “deep political manipulation” behind the September unrest, while preparing organizationally for both political movement and eventual elections.

Oli also warned against the notion that his party is permanently out of government, saying the UML remains the leading political force capable of steering Nepal’s political and economic development. He said, “Some might think the UML is gone from power for good. That’s an illusion. UML is the party that has led Nepal’s political and economic progress—it has proven this in practice.”

He cited the latest World Bank report, claiming it vindicated the UML’s governance record. “The World Bank itself has said the economic growth rate will decline by three percent this year. This shows the difference between when we were in government and after we left,” he remarked, arguing that the UML had worked to uphold national dignity and create the conditions for Nepal’s graduation from a least-developed to a developing country.

Oli admitted that internal jealousy and infighting have long weakened the UML, saying there was never “complete unity” within the party. “Even when I was prime minister, there were always elements of envy, backbiting, and attempts to pull my government down,” he said. “Our own members continuously spread lies and deceit to make the government fail.” He alleged that the government formed after the promulgation of the constitution was toppled from within the party itself, just when it had begun implementing historic and long-term development programs.

Warning that the country is being pushed toward “counter-revolution,” Oli said the recent events were taking Nepal in a dangerous direction. “An unexpected reactionary incident has taken place in the country. If we cannot stop it effectively, Nepal will be dragged into counter-revolution,” he said.

He added that the nation is “sliding toward ruin” and stressed the need to restore democratic, peaceful, and development-oriented governance. “We must immediately bring the country back to a democratic, people-oriented, corruption-free and peaceful path,” he said.

Oli emphasized that the UML has become a primary target because of its good performance, not wrongdoing. “We are under attack not because of bad policies but because our policies are right and pro-national,” he said.

The UML chair proposed strict disciplinary action against any member involved in unethical, anarchic, or corrupt activities. “The Secretariat has strengthened party unity during this difficult time. Now, the Central Organization Department will take immediate action against those who violate discipline and inform the Secretariat accordingly,” he announced. Oli urged central committee members to embody and promote unity within the organization. “Let us internalize this spirit of unity and make it stronger throughout the party,” he appealed.

In a notable outreach, Oli invited the CPN (Unified Socialist)—which split from the UML in 2021—to return for party reunification, saying unity among left forces is crucial for national stability. “Do not seek shelter in others’ courtyards. This is a strong house—come back home,” Oli said, addressing the Unified Socialist. “This party has hundreds of thousands of dedicated cadres. Don’t wander elsewhere looking for space.” He also called on other political forces to join hands for cooperation and national unity.

Oli also said he had always remained steadfast in his principles despite political challenges. “I have never deviated or changed. I have always stood firm for the country and the people,” he said, asserting his commitment to leading the UML toward renewed strength and purpose.

Following a month of fear driven by GenZ protests, major political parties, primarily the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, are holding crucial meetings to address issues such as leadership change, elections, and their stance on the Sept 8–9 demonstrations. The main agenda for both parties is leadership transition.

On Oct 14, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba named Vice-president Purna Bahadur Khadka as acting party president. He also announced that he will not contest for the presidency in the upcoming general convention. For now, the leadership issue within the NC remains on hold, with growing speculation over who will succeed Deuba. Around 53 percent of the party’s general convention representatives have submitted a memo to acting president Khadka demanding a special general convention. As per the party statute, a special convention must be called if 40 percent of representatives make such a demand. Deuba has already instructed party leaders to convene the convention as soon as possible.

Within the UML, KP Sharma Oli said in the party’s central committee meeting on Oct 15 that he is ready to relinquish leadership if the party’s central committee or general convention decides so. He, however, urged leaders not to pressure him to resign through social media.. Oli maintained that he has done nothing wrong and therefore sees no reason to give up power. Before the GenZ protests, Oli had stated that he would either remain party chair or retire altogether, refusing to serve as the party’s “second man.” The UML plans to hold its convention in the second week of December.

In the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal has taken a strategic step by converting the party’s central committee into a general convention organizing committee, naming himself its convener. Dahal is now forming GenZ wings within the party that support the continuation of his leadership. Publicly, Dahal has stated that he does not intend to retire from active politics.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is expected to retain Rabi Lamichhane as party chairman. However, the party is seeking a popular face to assume a more active leadership role, as Lamichhane’s status remains uncertain. Discussions are reportedly underway with Kul Man Ghising, the current Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, to become the party’s deputy chief.

One thing is clear: in the coming months, major political parties will remain occupied with conventions and leadership transitions.

Alongside internal matters, parties are clarifying their positions on the March 5 elections. The UML is emphasizing the restoration of Parliament instead of fresh polls, arguing that the current government is unconstitutional and that a free and fair election is not possible under present circumstances. Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire has been consulting with political parties to solicit their views on parliamentary restoration. In a document presented to the UML’s central committee, Oli proposed launching street protests to press for the revival of Parliament. UML leaders are hopeful about restoration, partly because several senior Supreme Court justices have past affiliations with UML and NC. However, they fear a split among the judges, which could result in a fractured verdict.

There are also doubts over whether parties could manage GenZ protesters if Parliament is revived, since its dissolution was one of the major demands of Prime Minister Sushila Karki when she assumed office. Observers warn that restoring Parliament could lead to another round of political conflict.

At this juncture, the NC’s position remains crucial. For now, it appears the party is keeping both options of Parliament restoration and fresh elections open. The NC has said it is ready for elections, but argues that the government has failed to create a conducive environment. Party leaders claim they continue to receive threats and intimidation from some protesters, while the government has failed to control such activities. NC leaders also assert that, as in the past, they will not be swayed by Oli on national matters. Much will depend on how intra-party dynamics unfold within the party, as senior leaders may struggle to form a unified position in Deuba’s absence.

The Maoist Center was the first to declare that elections are the only way out of the current crisis. The party believes it could gain strength in a new parliament, as NC and UML were the main targets of the GenZ protests. The Maoists were also the first to acknowledge the GenZ movement.

Meanwhile, second-tier leaders of major communist parties are exploring the possibility of left unity. They argue that UML, the Maoists, and smaller communist factions should at least form an electoral alliance if full party unification is not feasible. However, Oli remains central to this process. On Oct 15, Dahal publicly said that left unity could be possible if Oli steps down. Some UML leaders believe unification might happen if former President Bidya Devi Bhandari returns to the party and assumes leadership.

So far, the major political parties have not held a joint meeting to find common ground on elections. Such a meeting could be pivotal in shaping a collective position. The election is still five months away, and if consensus is reached between the government and major parties, polls could be held within three months. Although President Ramchandra Paudel convened the first round of talks between the government and political parties last week, substantive negotiations have yet to begin.

Prime Minister Karki remains hesitant to invite party leaders to Baluwatar, fearing GenZ backlash. There are deep divisions between the government and political parties over how to interpret the Sept 8–9 protests. The government focuses on the Sept 8 incident, when 21 youths were killed in police firing, and is reportedly preparing to arrest then Prime Minister Oli and then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for their alleged roles. The parties, however, insist that those responsible for the arson and vandalism of Sept 9 must also be held accountable to ensure a conducive electoral environment. The Home Ministry’s directive to police not to arrest those responsible for the arson has heightened tensions between the government and parties.

While the government views the GenZ protests as a revolution, political parties do not. They acknowledge the legitimacy of some GenZ demands but reject the idea of it being a people’s uprising. The UML and Maoist Center suspect external involvement, with Oli being more vocal about it. Recently, Dahal hinted at a “geopolitical factor” behind the protests, while Oli, in his party document claimed the incident was “a continuation of the so-called color revolutions that various powerful nations have carried out since the Cold War … to undermine the country’s sovereignty, democracy, and constitution.”

Whether elections will take place remains uncertain. 

An NC leader said, “The ball is in the government’s court. If it creates a conducive environment, the parties cannot refuse elections.” After the Tihar festival, the Supreme Court will begin hearings on the petitions against Parliament’s dissolution. At the same time, various political parties and groups are preparing for street demonstrations with their own demands.

A UML leader remarked, “We are not sure whether the government will take a confrontational approach or choose reconciliation.” 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Karki is under pressure from President Paudel to engage with political parties and create an environment for elections. Earlier, Karki rejected Paudel's suggestion to include party representatives in the cabinet, opting instead for a party-less government. A source close to the President said Karki was appointed the prime minister with a single, specific mandate of holding elections. “She should focus solely on that; otherwise, problems may arise,” the source warned.