Kathmandu [Nepal], September 13 (ANI): Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday announced that national elections will be held on March 5, within the next six months.
Following the Gen Z protests that claimed 51 lives, injured more than 1,300 people, and led to the escape of thousands of prisoners, Paudel appealed for public cooperation to ensure the vote proceeds smoothly, Al Jazeera reported.
“After a difficult and hard struggle, a peaceful solution has emerged in the extremely uncomfortable, hostile, and frightening situation of the country. The constitution has been preserved, the parliamentary system has been preserved, and the federal democratic republic has been established. The people have 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,” the president 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 in the day, citizens gathered outside Bouddhanath Stupa for a candlelight vigil in memory of those who died during the recent anti-corruption protests. Participants included students, monks, activists, and local residents, who lit candles and observed silence in solidarity with the victims.
Nepali Congress MP Abhishek Pratap Shah on Saturday filed an FIR against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in New Baneshwor Police through Kapilvastu Chief District Officer Dilkumar Tamang.
The protests, sparked by frustration over a social media ban and alleged corruption, prompted Oli to resign. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited a civil hospital on Saturday to meet injured demonstrators. Supporters and members of the press surrounded her convoy.
The Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that 51 people have died so far in the youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Nepal on September 8. Of these, 30 were killed by gunfire, while 21 died from burns, wounds, and other injuries. Nepal Police co-spokesperson Ramesh Thapa said the dead included one Indian national and three police officers.
At least 36 bodies remain at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, where post-mortem examinations began on Friday. The hospital has also started releasing bodies of the protesters after autopsies.
The unrest, led largely by young demonstrators in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, began after the government banned major social media platforms, citing tax and cybersecurity concerns.
Nepal has begun returning to normalcy after days of violence. A nationwide curfew ended on Saturday, a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister. With restrictions lifted, public transportation resumed, and long-distance buses from Kathmandu to other regions began operating again.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki on assuming office, expressing confidence that she will lead Nepal toward peace and stability.
“Nepal is a close friend of Bharat. I hope the interim PM will ensure stability,” Modi said during an address in Imphal. He praised Karki as Nepal’s first woman prime minister, calling her appointment a milestone for women’s empowerment.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the prime minister of the interim government in Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal,” Modi said.
He also commended Nepal’s youth for safeguarding democratic values amid turmoil, highlighting efforts to clean and paint roads after the protests. “Their positive thinking and positive work are not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal’s new rise. I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future,” Modi added.
Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister on Friday following widespread protests over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the government’s social media ban. (ANI)
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