Major political parties in the country have said they are prepared to go to the polls if elections are conducted in a free, independent, and fearless environment.

While they stressed that the mandate must be sought within the announced timeframe, leaders noted that their parties are yet to take formal decisions.

Eight parties—including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Janata Samajbadi Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist)—have recently stood together, opposing the dissolution of the House of Representatives as unconstitutional.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, appointed last Friday, has already recommended both the dissolution and an election date, setting the polls for March 5, 2026.

Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narasingh KC argued that historic parties must face the people to strengthen democracy.

“The interim government’s first task is to create a trustworthy environment for elections within six months,” he said. “If the elections are fair, parties will participate and test their mandate. We must return sovereignty to the Nepali people.”

KC added that parties should not fear going before the public, acknowledging past mistakes, because “only periodic elections can keep democracy strong”.

The UML, though willing to contest, has expressed doubts over whether elections can truly be impartial. Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said: “If the conditions for elections are met, parties will participate. But if voters cannot feel safe, then the election has no meaning.”

UML Secretary Gokarna Bista added that pressure must be placed on the government to ensure polls are held on schedule.

For the Maoist Centre, the issue is clearer. Senior Vice-chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha declared that holding elections on the announced date was the central priority.

“Only by going to the polls on time can we defend the constitution and democracy,” he said, adding that the party was united on this.

Maoist Centre’s Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma echoed the sentiment, calling the President’s announcement “positive” but stressing the need for certainty that polls would take place.

Other parties also weighed in. Rastriya Swatantra Party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti emphasised that the interim government must hold elections within six months and ensure a peaceful transfer of power. He urged action against corruption and impunity, while pushing for reconstruction and economic recovery.

Unified Socialist Vice-chair Beduram Bhusal said his party had not yet decided but would not oppose elections if they were credible.

Janata Samajbadi Party leader Manish Suman confirmed that his party supports the interim government and will participate: “We did not support Sushila Karki for nothing. The government’s main focus must be to deliver elections.”

Despite differences in tone, most parties agree that the interim government’s core responsibility is to guarantee free and fair polls. Until then, scepticism remains over whether the country can truly move towards a free and fearless electoral environment.