Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said registering political parties with the Election Commission by November 26 is crucial to ensuring the elections on March 5. She described the deadline as a non-negotiable first step for the credibility and constitutional legitimacy of the parliamentary elections.

During a meeting with some civil society members at Singha Durbar on Monday, the prime minister stated that the first operational challenge following the constitutional stalemate is securing the participation of the major parties in the elections process, according to a statement issued by the prime minister’s office.

She also shared the government’s efforts to tackle corruption and said at least 20 high-profile corruption files have been opened, although progress remains limited due to the difficulties involved, according to one participant, who wished to remain anonymous.

“We are in touch with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, and we follow up on the progress every other day,” the participant told the Post quoting Karki.

She further stressed that full participation of political parties is crucial for the elections.

“For the credibility of the election, our first and compulsory requirement is that the major parties must be registered with the Election Commission by November 26,” the statement said.

“The election scheduled for March 5 is not merely a political decision or preference of the present government. It is an unavoidable national responsibility to forestall a constitutional vacuum. Cutting through the confusion created by certain actors, I request civil society to stand firmly with the government in establishing the election’s constitutional legitimacy and steering democracy back onto the right path,” she told the civil society members, seeking their support to create a conducive environment for the upcoming polls, according to the statement.

“At present, we are confronting challenges on three major fronts: constitutional obligations, administrative preparedness, and rising youth dissatisfaction. After fulfilling the constitutional requirement, the first operational challenge is the participation of major political parties,” said Karki.

Despite assurances from the prime minister and the government, major parties remain sceptical about free and fair elections, citing persistent mistrust and security risks as thousands of prisoners escaped from jails during the September 9 protests and police weapons were looted by protesters.

About 15,000 prisoners had fled, but many were recaptured and many others returned, but still around 6,000 remain at large. Similarly, more than 1,100 firearms were looted or stolen by protesters. Although over 700 have been recovered, the rest are still missing.

The prime minister asserted that the government is working through Track-II dialogue to build trust with the parties. “I appeal to civil society to use its influence to bring all parties back into the process,” she added.

“Alongside managing political risks, we are firmly focussed on administrative preparations. We are in continuous dialogue with the leadership of the Election Commission to enhance its performance. Our priority is security and good governance. To make the election more economical and efficient, we will strictly monitor and prevent the wasteful and discredited practice of unnecessary staff recruitment seen during previous elections,” she said.

On the Gen Z movement, Karki clarified that it should not be viewed merely as a ‘law-and-order issue.’

“It is an expression of deep political discontent with the system, which has pushed some youth towards alternative narratives of governance—a risk we fully recognise,” she said.

“To win their confidence and increase youth participation in the election, we are introducing structural reforms through election-related ordinances and other measures. These will provide political responses to their dissatisfaction,” said the prime minister.

Recently, at the prime minister’s request, the Election Commission extended the deadline for voter registration, and registration of political parties in the commission is also gaining momentum.

“Alongside managing youth dissatisfaction, we are alert to the risks of polarisation and violence that could disrupt the electoral environment. Anyone using hateful or inflammatory speech during the election period will face immediate and public action by the relevant authorities. To ensure peaceful voting, we have increased hotspot mapping and intelligence deployment. Civil vigilance is more important than ever.”

The prime minister also called on the civil society members to play and act as a bridge providing political and electoral education to young people in a language they understand, so they gain confidence in the principles, processes, and systemic benefits of democratic governance.

“This systemic education is our strongest shield for democratic stability. The country’s democratic future and constitutional journey depend on the success of this election,” she said.

“If we fail this time, the nation will be pushed into prolonged political uncertainty and constitutional crisis. As leaders of civil society, we trust you will play an active and decisive role as a third force—helping build trust between the government and political parties, and encouraging the public to participate in the election.”

“I understand that when distrust grows among political parties, your role as an impartial voice—a third force—and as a bridge connecting society becomes extremely important,” said Karki.