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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.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the green hydrogen production and refueling center set up at the Kathmandu University (KU) in Dhulikhel today.

He also unveiled a green hydrogen-fueled car with registration number plate Ba 1 Jha 1111 on the occasion of the 29th Convocation Ceremony of KU. The Prime Minister rode on the same car to the Convocation venue.

On the occasion, PM Oli described construction of the green hydrogen production and refueling station operated by KU as an exemplary work. "Not only in KU such type of innovative works should be carried out in other places as well," said PM Oli, who is also the Chancellor of KU.

He recalled that he had initiated discussions and study for the production of green hydrogen and wind power when he was the Prime Minister before this. "Good work has started now and it should be expanded to other places. Particularly, the first priority should be given to vehicles," he added.

Chief of KU's Nepal Hydrogen Initiatives, Associate Professor Biraj Singh Thapa said the green hydrogen has been produced by processing electricity with water.

KU, which had been carrying out study and research on the production and use of green hydrogen fuel since the last two years, produced green hydrogen for the first time on April 2, 2023. Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) had provided financial assistance to KU for the production of green hydrogen fuel and for operating hydrogen-fueled cars.

A car manufactured by Hyundai Company was brought from South Korea last November with the support of NOC. The hydrogen refueling center has been installed at the university campus with the assistance of technicians of a Korean green hydrogen production company.

The NOC had provided Rs 50 million to KU for this. From this amount, the university remodeled the car at an investment of 33 thousand USD and built the refueling center at a cost of Rs 13 million.

Associate Professor Thapa said hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water, which is then converted into dry hydrogen, purified and stored in a low-pressure tank. The hydrogen in the low-pressure tank is filled in the car fuel tank through the high-pressure tank.

KU stated that on an average two kg of hydrogen is produced daily at the hydrogen refill center for study and research (test) purposes. Ten liters of water and 40-45 units of electricity is required for producing one kg hydrogen. Six kg hydrogen can be filled in the car brought at the university. The car can travel 650 kilometers when the hydrogen fuel is filled at full capacity.

KU also has the goal of preparing a pilot project for setting up a hydrogen refueling center with a capacity to refuel 30 to 35 hydrogen-fuelled cars.

It is said that this is the first initiative in the country at producing hydrogen for operating transport.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on the need to bring yoga into wider use and practice.

At the self-awakening program organized by the Jeevan Vigyan Sanstha (Life Science Institute) for the federal parliamentarians today, he said that a yoga-based society helps in achieving peace, happiness and prosperity.

Prime Minister Oli also urged one and all to follow the discipline and make a positive change in the society.

"We should work with the sacred spirit that I do not engage in violence; I do not tell lies; I do not covet the rights and property of others; I do not involve in corruption," said Prime Minister Oli, adding, "We should not be anarchic and ill-mannered, we should expand the yoga started by Nepalese ancestors thousands of years ago from this land."

Reiterating that yoga and meditation keep the heart and brain healthy, PM Oli said that is why yoga should be given special importance.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, chairman of the National Assembly, leaders of various parties, and lawmakers participated in the program.

Ramesh Nepal conducted the yoga session for the participants.

Visiting Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday.

During the meeting held at the Singha Durbar-based Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, matters relating to bilateral interest and mutual concerns and benefits were discussed, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Prime Minister's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal were also present in the meeting.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman arrived in Kathmandu on Monday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba.

Nepal and Oman had established diplomatic ties on January 21, 1977.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that it was common to have some issues between neighboring countries and they could be resolved by holding open dialogue.

Releasing a book written by former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa in the federal capital today, the Prime Minister said there would be no problems between the neighboring countries if solutions were sought on the basis of evidence abiding with international obligations along with judicious national interests.  

Releasing the book titled Kutniti Ra Bhurajniti (Diplomacy and Geopolitics), Prime Minister Oli said Nepal maintains balanced relations with both neighboring countries based on honesty and impartiality. "We will not use any card of a neighbor against another. We will not wish for anyone's misfortune. We will not let our land be used against any of the neighbors. We support neutrality and peaceful resolution," the PM said.     

We abide by the UN principles, PM Oli said, adding that we should dare say it is inappropriate if it was violated.  He was of the view that evidence should be furnished rather than arguments.

We are sensitive to the issues of world peace and security of Nepali citizens. No country should infringe on another country's pride for serving one's interest, PM Oli reasoned.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the Indian side to receive the report of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG), which was formed after the consensus of the top leaders of Nepal and India for the review of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 and others.  It would be easier to hold further dialogue on the issues of border disputes, among others.  

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli said that the treaty of trade and transit with China, signed when he was the Prime Minister in 2015 and during India's blockade over Nepal, was an epoch-making event.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the Nepal Police that takes the major responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the country to always be alert to the prevention of untoward incidents.

The Prime Minister wanted the Nepal Police to make a prognosis of offenses, investigate them and take maximum measures for the prevention.

While inaugurating a newly constructed building of the District Police Range Kathmandu at Bhadrakali of Kathmandu metropolis-11 today, the Prime Minister directed the police personnel to remain highly alert to potential forces unleashing instability and anarchy, and to deliver with the dedication to the interest of citizens.

"The incumbent government will not tell the Nepal Police not to arrest any criminals, any accused and ask for framing the innocents," he said, adding that the incumbent government was formed with the sentiments for delivering something for the cause of the nation and people.

He said that the Nepal Police is expected to serve the citizens at its best level and abide by the Constitution and law.

The Prime Minister of the coalition government said the government wishes to promote stability in the country. He also assured that no employee in the police institution has to seek undue favor from anyone else for promotion and transfer. "This government does not entertain undue approach and influence," he said, urging police personnel to deliver confidently.

The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.26 billion and the Nepal Police purchased 15 ropanis (one ropani is equivalent to 5476 sq feet) of land owned by the then Nepal Food Corporation at a cost of Rs 1.10 billion to build the advanced building for the Range that first started its service in 2012 BS from Hanumandhoka.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the constitution can be amended based on the experience of its implementation so far and as per people's aspirations and needs of the nation. And it will be carried out with consent of the political parties.

Responding to queries of MPs in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Oli mentioned that positive signs have started to appear in the economy within a short period of formation of the government. Revenue mobilization and capital expenditure has increased in the month of Shrawan of the current financial year compared to last year.

Stating that there has been a significant improvement in the capital market, the Prime Minister said that there is enthusiasm along with the morale to invest in the private sector.

He said that the positive signs were seen due to the policy taken by the government to fulfill the stated objectives of the nation.

"Big parties CPN-UML and Nepali Congress have come together to take the country towards the path of political stability, corruption control, good governance, economic development, social justice and prosperity," Prime Minister Oli said.

 He said that the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption is a commitment to complete the task of controlling corruption by adopting the legal process of control and prevention. "We are clear that corruption control should not only be a matter of rhetoric, it should be based on judicial investigation and result-oriented", Oli said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has clarified that the arrears of Nepal Electricity Authority's dedicated feeders and trunk line power supply will be collected without any leftovers.

Responding to questions of MPs in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Oli, however, said the arrears will be collected not by closing the industry but by operating it. "The government is clear on this; the arrears will be collected without cutting off the power supply lines.”

He also made it clear that there is no difference between the government and the NEA leadership, and refuted the social media publicity that tries to give a false impression that the NEA is trying to collect the tariff and the government is exempting it.

On a different note, the Prime Minister said that a system will be developed whereby a response would be made within three days on the files that need to be decided in any ministry.

He also said that the process of linking the national identity card and driver's license to the citizen app has been started.

South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday.

During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) in Singha Durbar, matters relating to bilateral interests and cooperation in various areas including economic, trade, investment and tourism were discussed, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat. 

The Prime Minister hoped for continued support from the Republic of Korea to Nepal's various sectors in the future, too.

The ambassador wished for a successful term for Prime Minister Oli.

Senior officials at the OPMCM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.

US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday.

At the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, they discussed various matters of mutual interest, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat informed.

Senior US diplomat Verma arrived in Kathmandu today.

During his stay in Nepal, he will meet government officials and businessmen, the US Embassy in Nepal informed.

He is scheduled to have an interaction with Nepali tea experts and there is also a discussion program with the USAID’s program partners.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Lumbini provincial government to focus on increasing production and employment along with infrastructure development.

In a discussion held today at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar with the Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, PM Oli suggested expanding the market through agriculture industrialization, planting advanced varieties of crops on suitable soil.

"There is no immediate increase in production by spending on the construction of physical structures such as buildings and offices. We have fertile lands, water and a suitable climate. There are many bases where production and employment can be increased by hard work," Prime Minister Oli said, adding, "Organizations and workers of our political parties should also be involved in such work. Everyone should focus on solving the problems of the citizens together."

He drew attention not to export and import impure and poisoned foods/vegetables, and suggested to those concerned to make arrangements to ban the import/export of impure and contaminated foods, saying that food should be healthy to keep the people healthy.

Mentioning that the current equation and the government was warranted due to the special situation of the country, Prime Minister Oli said that this government is working with a plan to identify the common problems in the country and come up with a solution.

He said that the government is currently running on a deficit budget and asked everyone to work to end this situation. Prime Minister Oli asked to take into consideration the main issues of consensus, cooperation and results for the people without arguing about who will participate and how much while running the government.

Chief Minister Acharya had expected the support of the federal government in managing the budget and overall infrastructure development to shift the provincial capital from Rupandehi to Dang. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel and others participated in the discussion.

Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and a group of party lawmakers discussed domestic air safety issues with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The meeting was focused on progressing the civil aviation bills aiming to split the existing Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal into two entities: as a service provider and a regulatory body.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain said that during the meeting they discussed the need to proceed ahead with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Bill and the Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill along with other contemporary issues.

They also touched on the issues relating to the need to enhance the safety of Nepal's aviation sector, making it reliable and connecting it to the development and promotion of the tourism industry.

According to Bajgain, their (NC lawmakers) conclusion is that the same body (CAAN) functioning as the service provider and the regulatory simultaneously is capable of promoting the conflict of interests. This is in contravention of the international practices as well. That's why it is warranted to split the aviation body into two entities and advance towards air safety.

It is noted that the European Union has concerns over air safety in Nepal and advised Nepal to have separate bodies for the service providing and the regulation.

Deuba was accompanied by Jeevan Pariyar, Ramesh Lekhak, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Ishwori Neupane, Sanjay Gautam, Uday Shumsher Rana, Rajan KC, Pratima Gautam, Sarita Prasai, Ramkrishna Yadav, Pushpa Bahadur Shahi, Shanti Pariyar, and Sita Mijar including Bajgai.

The twin bills that had been endorsed by the National Assembly turned deactivate upon reaching the House of Representatives, according to Bajgain.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that an amendment to the Constitution has been realized to promote progression and prosperity in the country.

He said the existing political equation involving two major political parties: the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML is expected to proceed with the constitution's amendment in the pursuit of progression and prosperity.

In his address to a party program at Chyasal today, he argued that it is a false accusation to say that major parties are seeking to amend the Constitution for regression. "The Constitution is an amendable document as per the needs of the country and the people."   At the program held at the party's central office, the party vice chair and central members nominated by the party were sworn in.

He added that the need to amend the country's main law has been realized to strengthen democracy, increase its gravity and acceptability, explore additional bases for development and prosperity, and get connected to the citizens. "The Constitution is not unamendable."

The leader further stressed that politics be practiced for clean competition and the service of citizens.  

This week Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made three major decisions: appointing ambassadors to 18 countries, issuing a long list of directives to government secretaries to improve governance and service delivery, and transferring government secretaries.

His quick decision to appoint ambassadors has been well-received by the public, though it has faced criticism for favoring party members over experts in foreign policy and diplomacy. Additionally, the appointments are not very inclusive, despite the government's inclusive policy. This is not a new issue, as ambassadorial appointments have followed this pattern for a long time, with leaders rarely heeding public suggestions.

The ambassadorial appointments by the Oli administration also led to the resignation of Shanker Das Bairagi as the national security advisor. A former government secretary, Bairagi was appointed the national security advisor by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. He quit the post in hopes of becoming the ambassador to India, but his bid was unsuccessful with the government’s decision to give continuity to the incumbent, Shankar Sharma.

Also this week, Prime Minister  Oli, like his predecessors, issued a 26-point directive to government ministers and secretaries, assuring them that this coalition will fulfill its full three-year term. He also mentioned he would resign a week before the end of his two-year term, in accordance with a gentleman's agreement between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. It remains to be seen if Oli’s directives will be implemented, as there is a poor track record in this regard. For example, former PM Dahal issued a similar directive, only to express frustration after three months due to non-implementation. The bureaucracy typically shows little enthusiasm for aligning with politicians’ priorities.

The government also transferred several government secretaries. Politicians often talk about political and policy stability but frequently transfer secretaries. While one round of transfers following the formation of a new government can be justified, repeated transfers, as seen under Dahal’s leadership, disrupt the working environment. If Prime Minister Oli genuinely wants to improve governance, he must address these issues or risk losing bureaucratic support.

In another story, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak faced criticism this week for transferring senior police officers involved in investigating high-profile corruption cases. He also initiated an investigation against AIG Shyam Gyawali following a series of complaints. Lekhak has stated he will not allow the misuse of administration to protect individuals or suppress political opponents. His path ahead is challenging, as he must balance allowing independent police investigations with potential political pressures to sideline certain cases.

The CPN (Maoist Center), now in opposition for the first time in nearly 10 years, held a meeting to discuss its future path. Leaders acknowledged neglecting party-building while in power and decided to contest the 2027 elections alone, though this is unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel sparked debate by suggesting changes to electoral laws to prevent the rise of fringe parties, which he argues is necessary for political stability. He proposed increasing the threshold percentage, a move likely to be opposed by smaller parties. Pokhrel has long advocated for a two-party system in Nepal.

Another significant development of this week was that a consensus was reached among political parties on transitional justice issues related to human rights violations during the insurgency period. However, this agreement must be endorsed by the Ministry of Law and Parliament. If the NC, UML, and the Maoist Center agree, it may proceed, but it remains uncertain if conflict victims and the international community will accept it.

This week also saw a change in the leadership of Nepal Army after Ashok Raj Sigdel was elevated to the post of acting chief of the army. He will be in full charge of the army within a month. This change is unlikely to impact national politics, as the NA has largely maintained its apolitical reputation, unlike Nepal Police and other institutions where political meddling is rife. 

Another notable story this week was the rejection of Krishna Man Pradhan’s nomination as a member of the Election Commission by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. The committee reached its decision hours after Pradhan, who was unanimously nominated on June 16 by the Constitutional Council led by former Prime Minister Dahal, withdrew himself from the hearing process. Pradhan’s nomination was disputed after a woman filed a complaint claiming that he had sexually exploited her for years. This rare decision by the hearing committee is a positive step, underscoring the importance of parliamentary screening for constitutional body appointments.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has announced not to organize the party meetings at the prime minister's official residence.

Taking to Facebook, PM Oli said the party meetings will not be conducted at his official residence until his health permits. The PM stated that the decision was in line with the suggestions given by the general public through their social networking sites. The PM has also expected such suggestions in the future as well.

"Our party's secretariat meeting is taking place today. The meeting is being convened in another place as the meeting could not be held at the party office due to inundation following the flood in the Manohara river. Continue offering me feedback like this. Thank You!" he said. 

Meanwhile, the UML's secretariat meeting is starting at 11 am today. Party's Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam said central leaders' responsibility will be discussed along with the contemporary political issues.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Swiss government to help bring in more foreign direct investment for Nepal's economic development and prosperity.

During a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Daniel Meuli at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar today, Prime Minister Oli stressed that foreign aid would be a catalyst for the country's development.

He mentioned that the government of Nepal has been making efforts to make the state structures accountable to the people by strengthening democracy, sharing that the practice of Switzerland for the development of inclusive democratic structure has been established here.

Expressing commitment that the government would carry out necessary reforms to increase foreign direct investment, the Prime Minister explained that there was enthusiastic participation of 50 countries in the recently held Nepal Investment Summit. 

Prime Minister Oli expected an increment of support from development partners as the country has set a goal of graduating to the developing country from least developed country by 2026 and to become middle-income country by 2030.

He thanked the Swiss government for its continued support to Nepal's development endeavors, preventing COVID-19 and to the peace process.

On the occasion, the Swiss Ambassador congratulated and extended best wishes to Prime Minister Oli for his successful tenure and assured of continuing collaboration and cooperation between the two countries.