Chairman of the CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, has instructed party cadres whose voter registration is outside Kathmandu to return to their respective constituencies to actively participate in election campaigning.
Addressing an interaction program organized on Wednesday by the Jhapa–Kathmandu Contact Forum of the party, Chairman Oli said that cadres living in the capital for professional or business reasons should make time to go back to their electoral areas during the election period.
“You have come to Kathmandu for various professions and businesses. Now is the time for elections,” Oli said. “Take time to return to your constituencies. Create a favorable environment for the party. Meet your relatives. Sit with friends. Counter the misinformation being spread against the party and its leadership.”
During his address, Oli remarked that it would be not only irrelevant but also risky for a passenger to claim they could fly an aircraft. Making a satirical reference to ongoing political propaganda portraying certain individuals as prime ministerial candidates, he said the country cannot be led by people who lack experience and a clear vision for governance.
“What would happen if a person traveling as a passenger suddenly sat in the pilot’s seat claiming they could fly the plane?” Oli asked. “Would anyone willingly board such a plane? And if someone did by mistake, what would their fate be? This is why the present time demands careful and thoughtful decision-making.”
Oli Rejects Two-Phase Elections, Emphasizes Fair and Fear-Free Voting
Chairman Oli also stated that he would not accept elections being conducted in two phases under any circumstances. Referring to remarks made by the Prime Minister about holding elections in phases due to snowfall in mountainous regions, Oli dismissed the justification.
“I heard the Prime Minister say that elections would be held in two phases if it snows in the mountains. This is completely unacceptable,” he said. “Even a child born before last winter knows that it gets cold and snows in winter. Didn’t they know this when setting the election date?”
Emphasizing the importance of electoral integrity, Oli said elections must be conducted in a fully fair and fraud-free manner. He stressed that voting should take place without fear, intimidation, or inducement.
“The election process must be impartial, and voting should be conducted in a secure environment,” Oli said. “Ballot boxes must never be out of the sight of party representatives even for a second. Everyone must remain vigilant.”
Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, Oli claimed that the UML would win the elections convincingly and urged cadres to campaign with high morale. He also cautioned party workers to be alert to external influences.
“Various foreign elements may appear—be able to identify them,” Oli said. “Tell the people about the development work we have carried out, our efforts in good governance, and the promotion of public awareness. Work in a way that wins the hearts of voters.”
The program was also addressed by party Secretary and Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Karki, along with former minister Agni Kharel, who urged party cadres to focus their efforts on constituency-level election activities.
