PM Karki hints at second-phase polls in Himalayan districts amid extreme cold

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the government may conduct a second phase of elections in Himalayan districts if extreme cold conditions make voting impossible during the scheduled polls on March 5.

Speaking to Kantipur on the sidelines of a student training completion ceremony organised by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at the Nepal Army barracks in Hattikhor, eastern Nawalparasi, Prime Minister Karki said the government’s full focus is currently on ensuring a peaceful and enthusiastic election.

She said preparations are underway to facilitate voting even in difficult terrain, including transporting voters by vehicles in areas where road access is available. “If the cold becomes so severe that elections cannot be conducted under any circumstances, then voting in those districts will be held in a second phase,” she said.

Prime Minister Karki stressed that the election will not be postponed, clarifying that the issue of delaying polls is no longer under discussion. “The election will not be deferred. It will be held on the scheduled date,” she asserted, adding that no one has approached her so far with proposals to postpone the election.

She also noted that the election is being held under special circumstances and is expected to cost between Rs 30 billion and Rs 32 billion. “This election will be a milestone for ensuring stability and peace in the country,” she said.

Highlighting broader political participation, Prime Minister Karki said even groups that previously demanded various conditions have joined the electoral process this time. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and inclusive participation of all stakeholders in the election.

Prime Minister Karki, who reached at the programme by helicopter, returned to Kathmandu later in the afternoon.