Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel announced that fresh elections to the House of Representatives will be held within six months, with March 5 set as the polling date.
The announcement comes as the country seeks to stabilise following weeks of violent Gen Z protests that resulted in 51 deaths, over 1,300 injuries, and thousands of prisoners escaping. “The people have got the opportunity to move forward on the path of a more advanced democracy by holding the elections to the House of Representatives within six months,” Paudel said in a statement.
“Therefore, I sincerely appeal to all parties to cooperate in the work of pleasing the people and holding the elections to be held on March 5 by making good use of the opportunity obtained with great tact,” he added.
Earlier on Saturday, Nepali citizens gathered outside the Bouddhanath Stupa to hold a candlelit march in memory of those who lost their lives during the recent anti-corruption protests. People from all walks of life, including students, monks, activists, and local residents, lit candles and stood in silence to show solidarity with the victims.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress MP Abhishek Pratap Shah lodged an FIR against former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at New Baneshwor police station through chief district officer Dilkumar Tamang of Kapilvastu.
Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited the civil hospital on Saturday to meet injured Gen Z protesters. The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that 51 people died in the demonstrations, including 30 from gunshot wounds and 21 from burns, injuries, and other causes.
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The deceased also included one Indian national and three police personnel, Nepal Police co-spokesperson Ramesh Thapa said. The country is now gradually returning to normalcy after the nationwide curfew was lifted a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister. Public transport resumed, and long-distance buses from Kathmandu began operating again.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming the role of interim Prime Minister, expressing confidence that she would guide Nepal towards peace and stability.
“Nepal is a close friend of Bharat. I hope the interim PM will ensure stability,” Modi said in Imphal. He also noted that Karki is the first woman PM of Nepal, calling it an important example of women’s empowerment.
Also Read: Nepal President dissolves parliament; polls set for March 5
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