Kathmandu —
Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has stressed that periodic elections must be conducted on the dates announced, calling it a cornerstone of multiparty democracy.
Speaking to News Agency Nepal, Bhattarai said elections should always be competitive, independent, and impartial, warning that the foundations of democracy must not be weakened. He urged political parties to take responsibility in ensuring polls are held on time.
Bhattarai expressed doubts over whether major political parties—including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party—would meaningfully restructure themselves. He noted that old leadership continues to dominate these parties, adding that a broader political restructuring is necessary in the future.
The Nepal Samajbadi Party (New Force) chair further argued that such restructuring would be possible if youth under 28 continue to exert pressure.
The interim government has scheduled the House of Representatives election for March 4 (Falgun 21). However, major political parties have criticized the dissolution of the House as unconstitutional.