NC leaders urge EC not to disrupt March 5 polls

KATHMANDU: Leaders of the Nepali Congress have urged the Election Commission (EC) not to make any decisions that could affect the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 5).

The remarks came from leaders of the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction, who visited the EC on Friday to assert the party’s official status.

They expressed confidence that the Commission would make decisions based on the Constitution, the Political Parties Act, the Nepali Congress’s statute, and the documents provided by their faction.

They also conveyed their belief that the party would retain its official status and that members who had separated would eventually return to the mainstream.

Central member Mohan Bahadur Basnet emphasized that making decisions that could complicate matters while the election’s feasibility is already in question would create unnecessary chaos.

He stated that the Nepali Congress is fully prepared for the elections and is actively mobilized at the district level. “We have even started election rallies in Sindhupalchowk, and similar activities have begun elsewhere,” Basnet said. He warned that if the EC were to make decisions contrary to the Constitution and the party’s statute, it could disrupt the electoral process, for which the Commission would be responsible. He further urged the EC not to make decisions based on anyone’s influence, pressure, or self-interest.

Basnet added, “There is already confusion over whether elections will take place, even with individuals linked to those who formed the government claiming that elections won’t happen. In contrast, the Nepali Congress is fully mobilized across districts and holding rallies. If the EC makes a wrong decision under influence or pressure, it would be unfortunate for the state and the Commission itself would be held accountable.”

Central member Ramhari Khatri also expressed confidence that the EC would make decisions in accordance with the law, regulations, the Constitution, and the party statute. He noted that while efforts to prevent the party’s division were made until the very end, they ultimately failed. Khatri warned that the split could significantly impact both the elections and the broader political scenario. He accused certain elements of attempting to undermine the Nepali Congress and destroy democracy, similar to past incidents involving the burning of Singha Durbar, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court. He stressed the need for caution.

Ramchhap District Chair Purna Bahadur Tamang reaffirmed that Sher Bahadur Deuba is the official Nepali Congress president. He stated that Deuba would begin issuing tickets for House of Representatives nominations starting Magh 6.

Tamang clarified that the party has not split, and leaders like Gagan Thapa and Bishwprakash Sharma, who have not formed another party, would also receive tickets from Deuba to contest the elections.

Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, along with leaders Dr. Shekhar Koirala and others, visited the EC to assert the party’s official status.