KATHMANDU, October 28: Leaders of major political parties have urged the government to take immediate action to recover weapons looted during the Gen-Z movement and apprehend prisoners who escaped from prisons, warning that the current situation could undermine the creation of a safe and conducive environment for upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
Party leaders highlighted that with hundreds of looted weapons still in circulation and a significant number of fugitives at large, it is difficult to ensure a secure environment necessary for holding fair and transparent elections. They called on the government to take decisive steps to restore law and order.
Emphasising the central role of political parties in a party-led governance system, leaders stressed that elections cannot be conducted without the active participation of all major parties. They urged continuous dialogue and coordination between the government and responsible political actors to ensure a secure, impartial, and fraud-free electoral process.
Home Ministry to launch special operation to recover weapons lo...
Regarding preparations for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, party leaders underscored the need for the government to ensure a fear-free environment and a full guarantee of peace and security.
Shyam Kumar Ghimire of Nepali Congress (NC) stated that the current uncertainty and lack of a conducive environment pose serious questions about the feasibility of peaceful elections. “Without recovering looted weapons and bringing fugitive prisoners to justice, the electoral environment cannot be created,” he said. He also called for urgent action against those involved in criminal activities such as arson, looting and vandalism.
Madhav Sapkota of the CPN (Maoist Centre) echoed the call for immediate measures to control looted weapons and fugitives. “Failing to do so threatens not only elections but also social harmony and peace,” he said, stressing that political parties must cooperate with the government to create an environment conducive to timely elections.
Mahesh Bartola of CPN-UML emphasised that elections are the only way to restore constitutional and democratic order following the post-Gen-Z movement turmoil and the premature dissolution of parliament. “UML will participate fully and respect the mandate of the people,” he added, calling for a fear-free voting environment.
Ram Prakash Chaudhary of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party said guarantees of peace and security are essential for credible elections. He called for swift confiscation of looted weapons and the capture of fugitives to ensure a safe electoral process.
Chitra Bahadur KC, chairperson of People’s Front Nepal, noted that while the demands for anti-corruption and good governance raised by the Gen-Z movement are valid, acts of vandalism and arson against national assets are unacceptable. He stressed that individuals should be held accountable without compromising democratic institutions.
Party leaders collectively urged the government to act as a guardian for the electoral process by taking all stakeholders into confidence and ensuring that elections are conducted on time in a peaceful, transparent, and impartial manner.
