Political parties term security a prerequisite to March 5 election – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 27

At a time when the government has claimed that it was making preparations for the March 5 election to the House of Representatives, the political parties expressed concern over the security situation for the democratic exercise.

The parties are for the arrest of the inmates escaped from prisons and the return of arms looted by the demonstrators during Gen Z protest. They argued election can not be held in a peaceful and fair atmosphere once the inmates and arms are not under State control. The government is therefore reminded to pay heed to this serious concern.

Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Nepali Congress leader Shyam Kumar Ghimire said it is a pressing issue whether the country holds HoR election in a peaceful atmosphere, for they had not seen favourable environment for it so far. Uncertainty is yet to fizzle out, he added, demanding the government that it brought to book those involved in the arson and vandalism during Gen Z protest.

“How can we be assured of peace and security if the arsonists and vandals are not brought to book,” he wondered. Fear grips one while going for election because the looted weapons and criminals are not under State control, according to him. He also questioned the morale of security persons at such condition.

Ghimire, however, said Nepali Congress, as a democratic political party, does not shy away from election. NC will come up with clear views on election and contemporary issues after its meeting.

Similarly, Madhav Sapkota of CPN (Maoist Centre) underlined that neither government nor political parties can avoid election at present.

However, return of the looted weapons and taking control the escaped prisoners is imperative to create peaceful atmosphere for the March 5 election the government is mandated to hold. Not only for election but also for social security, law and order and harmony, the looted weapons need to be returned and escaped prisoners brought behind the bar, Sapkota underscored.

In his view, if the government works actively by boosting morale of police persons, election can be held successfully. “We, the political parties, made the interim government to hold election. So, political parties must cooperate with government to this regard, while governments’ responsibility is to earn political trust,” he reminded.

The central committee meeting of the Maoist Centre decided that election is the solution to present political crisis.

Moreover, CPN UML leader Mahesh Bartaula said only measure to bring the derailed constitution and democracy back to track is the election. Parliament was dissolved all of a sudden. It needs restoration. UML does not avoid joining election for democracy and parliament. We go for election but fear-free atmosphere is prerequisite.

“Peace and security are essential to hold the election in a free and fair manner,” said Ram Prakash Chaudhary of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, demanding the return of seized weapons and escaped prisoners. By realizing the past mistakes, both the political parties and people need correction.

He further said, “No political party can dodge election, but safety is imperative.”

Chitra Bahadur KC, Chairman of the Rastriya Janamorcha, however, said the central committee meeting of his party would make the position clear on the recent development in the country. He expressed worry over such humongous loss in the Gen Z protest, which, he argued, was waged for good governance.