Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday held discussions with elected representatives of local governments at Baluwatar.

The meeting included officials from the National Association of Rural Municipalities and the Municipal Association of Nepal. The discussions focused on local governments’ ongoing activities, challenges, and preparations for the upcoming elections.

Participants agreed on the need for cooperation, coordination, and coexistence among the federal, provincial, and local governments. They also stressed maintaining peace and good governance to create a conducive election environment.

Local representatives praised the Karki-led government’s efforts to prepare for the elections, calling it encouraging, according to the prime minister’s secretariat.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha were also present at the meeting.

Minister Aryal urged local governments to support the federal government in maintaining law and order, including sharing information about missing weapons and nearly 5,000 escaped prisoners.

Representatives raised concerns about difficulties in hiring contract staff and implementing signed projects due to the government’s austerity measures. They also called for activating coordination mechanisms among the three tiers of government.

Prime Minister Karki assured them that her government would move forward in collaboration with the local units. She said local governments play a vital role in elections and that coordination was essential to conduct them smoothly.

“The role of local units is crucial for elections,” she said. “We will address your concerns and work together to overcome the current challenges. Everyone must act responsibly to find a way forward.”

Karki said Nepal’s political system cannot function without political parties, adding that maintaining balance between party interests and development priorities was necessary.

She also revealed that she had encouraged members of Generation Z to form their own political parties and contest elections peacefully with their agendas.

“Gen Z are our own sons and daughters,” she said. “The older generation monopolised politics and caused frustration. Instead of rebelling, they should organise, form parties, and bring reforms through democratic means.”