Former Nepal prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Saturday warned of street protests if the general election scheduled for March 5 is postponed, saying any attempt to defer the polls would threaten the country’s constitutional process.
Addressing a unity rally of the newly formed Nepali Communist Party (NCP) at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, Prachanda said the party has consistently supported the holding of elections on time since they were announced.
He asserted that the March 5 election must be conducted as scheduled and cautioned the government against delaying the process under any pretext.
“The general election has become a national agenda. There is no alternative to it at this moment,” Prachanda said, adding that postponing the polls would derail the constitution.
He called on political forces and citizens to remain united to ensure timely elections, while stopping short of naming any individual or party behind alleged efforts to defer the polls.
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The NCP, formed last month through the merger of 10 left parties including the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the CPN (Unified Socialist), has been mobilising support for timely elections through mass gatherings across the country.
Prachanda reiterated that the party would take to the streets if the election date is changed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sushila Karki dismissed reports of a possible postponement or cancellation of the polls, calling such claims baseless.
In a special address marking 100 days in office, she said the interim government remains committed to conducting the elections on time, fairly and in a fear-free environment, according to the Kathmandu Post.
Karki was sworn in as prime minister on September 12, days after the resignation of K P Sharma Oli following widespread Gen Z-led protests.
Shortly after taking office, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives and announced fresh elections to be held on March 5, 2026.
