Despite reiterated commitments from the government and the Election Commission, political parties have voiced their scepticism about free and fair elections.

Expressing their views during a consultation on Thursday organised by the commission for the March 5 snap polls, representatives of various parties complained that the Sushila Karki administration has failed to create an environment conducive to the vote.

Setting the tone for discussions, acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari urged all the political parties to participate in the elections being held in the changed political context, assuring that the commission is working to create an environment for timely polls.

Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the commission, said Bhandari also informed the political parties that the government had assured to make proper security arrangements and provide logistical support. The party leaders, however, remained unconvinced.

Min Bishwakarma, representing the Nepali Congress, said at the meeting that despite its exclusive mandate to conduct elections, the Karki-led government does not seem committed to holding timely polls.

Stating that the assurance of peace and security is a must for creating an election environment free of fear, he said the government had not been helping to maintain law and order.

“It’s a prerequisite for the government to guarantee peace and security for the citizens and political parties. That is yet to happen,” he said. “The country’s state of law and order is fragile. Political parties are not assured of peace and security.”

Bishwakarma, along with the representatives from other parties, had said the security personnel themselves were living in fear and the government had not done enough to boost their morale. They had questioned what is the guarantee that the looted arms and ammunition and the absconded prisoners will not be a challenge during the elections.

Around 5,000 prisoners, who fled from the prisons during the Gen Z-led movement, are yet to be arrested. Similarly, the security forces are yet to reclaim over 800 guns and small arms looted in the two-day protests.

“The actions of the present government make it seem like it is in a mood for revenge against the political parties. It has taken no step to foster a cooperative environment,” said Bishwakarma. Party leaders have also raised questions over the release of dozens of people allegedly involved in violence during the September 8 and 9 protests at the order of the home ministry.

After the movement toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition, the Karki government was formed on September 12 with a mandate to hold elections on March 5 and hand over the power to elected representatives.

Speaking to the media after Thursday’s discussion, CPN (Maoist Centre) leaders said that while they are prepared to participate in the elections, the government has failed to create the right atmosphere for it. They accused the government of not doing its bit to instill trust in the parties to ensure fair elections.

They further alleged that the government is acting in a retaliatory manner against political parties by arresting leaders, filing cases, and engaging in acts of revenge.

“We want timely elections and we are ready to participate. But the real concern is whether the government will be able to ensure a free and impartial environment for the elections,” said Dev Prasad Gurung, a Maoist Centre leader. “We doubt the government’s intention.”

The commission had invited parties that were represented in the now-dissolved House of Representatives or had won at least a ward member seat in the last elections to join the discussion on the election preparations.

Most of the representatives from the 29 parties other than the CPN-UML expressed their readiness to contest the polls if the government can ensure a safe environment for it.

Expressing the UML’s views, Guru Baral, a vice-chair of the party, said that the government has not been able to create a conducive atmosphere for the elections.

“Our party wants reinstatement of the dissolved parliament,” said Baral, claiming that the UML believes the lower house will be reinstated.

Ten writ petitions have been registered at the Supreme Court demanding reinstatement of the House of Representatives dissolved on September 12. The top court will begin hearing the petitions on October 29.