Nepal's President, Ram Chandra Poudel, on September 14 issued a very meaningful statement, describing the formation of an interim government as a rare and valuable opportunity.

The President’s new statement was targeted at major political parties that have opposed the dissolution of Parliament, which was recommended by newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The statement issued by the President indicates his struggle to protect the constitution and the current political system.

After KP Sharma Oli resigned as Prime Minister following pressure from protests, both the President and the Army Chief were under pressure to appoint representatives of the protestors as the new Prime Minister. However, there were no constitutional provisions to appoint a non-parliamentarian as Prime Minister. At the same time, there was intense pressure to dissolve Parliament and impose a state of emergency.

Amid this scenario, both the Nepal Army and the President engaged in talks with various groups to seek a way out. According to sources, President Poudel was firm that he would not take any decisions that went against the current constitution. Many say the President has hinted at the same in his statement.

Sources close to the President say that the formation of an interim government and the dissolution of Parliament were the only available constitutional options. Therefore, parties should understand this instead of creating troubles by opposing the President’s move.

In his statement, President Poudel appealed to political parties to appease the people, maintain self-restraint, and focus on making the March 5 election a success. After an extremely abnormal situation, a fearful environment, and tense circumstances, a peaceful way out has been achieved through great effort. “The constitution has been saved, the parliamentary system has been saved, and the federal democratic republic has been saved,” the President said. The Nepali people have now been given an opportunity to move forward toward a more developed democracy by conducting elections within six months.

Major political parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), and other fringe parties—are opposing the dissolution of Parliament. There are calls for the parties to bridge their differences and support the government in holding elections as soon as possible.