Prime Minister Sushila Karki has brushed off rumours about the postponement or cancellation of the March 5 elections.

In her special address on completing 100 days in office as prime minister, she said, “I want to assure you that rumours about postponing or cancelling the election are completely baseless and misleading. This government is steadfast on its determination to conduct the elections on time, fairly and in an environment free of fear.”

There are rumours that even political parties do not want parliamentary elections on March 5 and that preparations by the Election Commission for the polls have been insufficient. Moreover many party leaders and analysts cast doubt on the country’s overall security situation.

The prime minister reiterated her commitment to hold timely elections and tried to dispel the hearsays.

Karki in her special address to the nation said, “Today, from this very platform, I want to make it clear to the country and the world: the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 is no longer just a date on the calendar.”

It is the only viable path to provide stability to the country and to begin a new era, she added.

Karki became the prime minister after the Gen Z uprising toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government. President Ramchandra Poudel formed the interim government with the mandate of holding the House elections within six months.

In her address marking 100 days in office, Karki also highlighted the works undertaken by her government.

Stating that the country has again returned to the path of peace after the tragic incidents of September 8 and 9, she recalled that those who died during the protests have been declared martyrs.

“Arrangements are made for the treatment of the injured and for securing their livelihoods. Work has begun on rebuilding damaged structures through the physical infrastructure reconstruction fund,” she added.

She admitted that some people have doubts about timely elections. “They are still wondering if the country is really moving towards elections. Can the government guarantee peace and security?” she said.

She claimed that her administration has completed all preparations to conduct polls and spared no effort to ensure poll security.

“The integrated election security plan has already been approved, and the deployment of the Nepali Army has been ensured,” said the prime minister.

According to her, the home ministry has entrusted the security agencies and all district administration offices to implement the security plan designed for the polls.

Political parties have expressed serious concerns over poll security, particularly because of the thousands of inmates who fled several prisons and the arms looted during the September unrest.

In the last week of November, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal told National Assembly members that 723 weapons had been recovered. Out of the 14,554 prisoners and detainees who escaped or fled prisons and detention centres during the Gen Z protests, 9,697 were brought back, according to him.

Addressing those concerns, Prime Minister Karki said that of the 1,342 weapons looted during the movement, the majority have already been recovered.

According to her, a total of 465 damaged police offices were brought back into operation, making the security system robust.

A budget of Rs6.73 billion has been set aside for the Election Commission, said the prime minister. “This time, we have taken another historic leap by amending the Voter Registration Act. We have ensured voting rights for 837,000 new young voters even after the election date was announced,” Karki said.

“Today, more than 18.1 million Nepalis hold the key to changing the destiny of their country. The participation of 114 political parties in this process proves how strong the roots of our democracy are. Despite differences in ideologies, we all stand together to guide the country forward,” she added.

She stressed that an election is not only about someone’s victory or defeat; it is a campaign to make democracy and good governance win and that the legitimate path to achieving a corruption-free society and good governance is the election itself.

Karki, who is facing pressure from Gen Z groups, advised them to take part in the elections.

“I want to say especially to our Gen Z youth, now express your anger and dreams through the ballot,” she said in her address. Street protests raise questions, but the ballot provides solutions, she added.

“I humbly request all political stakeholders to compare where the country was 100 ago and where it stands today. My Cabinet members, security agencies, civil servants, and members of civil society have made tireless efforts to restore a sense of normalcy,” said Karki.

She claimed that peace has been established and the rule of law reinstated. “In particular, we are strengthening the morale of the security agencies—not only for today, but for the long term.”

Karki also mentioned the achievements made by her government in the past three months.

Cases of crime and corruption that were previously suppressed are now being pursued by investigative bodies with full professional independence, she said.

The prime minister also claimed that her government was determined to break the nexus of those who collude to secure contracts, fail to carry out development projects, and misuse state resources.

“Over these 100 days, concrete steps have been taken to control wasteful spending and strengthen financial discipline. Unauthorised and unnecessary privileges enjoyed by some—both during service and after retirement—have been cut, saving taxpayer money.”

She described some initiatives such as the recall of 500 security personnel and vehicles deployed contrary to standards; shutting down 38 unnecessary offices, and removal of 323 sanctioned positions as a cost-cutting measure.

A budget of Rs119 billion has been reprioritised and redirected to major development projects, she elaborated, and an “Integrated Business Revival Plan” has been implemented for struggling entrepreneurs.

She also listed works such as addressing public grievances through “Hello Sarkar”, ensuring a daily supply of 200 million litres of Melamchi water in Kathmandu Valley and adding 101 megawatts of electricity to the national transmission line in the period.

“In line with the spirit of the Gen Z movement, this government has made good governance and elections its sole focus. I appeal to all Nepali sisters and brothers for national unity. Who wins or loses the election is a secondary matter; the biggest victory will be of our democracy and nationality.”

This election will mark the beginning of a new, clean, and golden chapter in Nepal’s politics, said Karki.