Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Although CPN-UML sees the reinstatement of the House of Representatives as the only way out of the current political stalemate, the party’s Senior Vice-Chairperson Ishwar Pokharel, who is contesting for party chair in the upcoming 11th general convention, has said that fresh elections for the House of Representatives are the best way to steer the country out of the current crisis.
In his political and organisational proposal submitted to the party on Monday for discussion during the general convention, Pokharel has insisted that the interim government was formed under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki in a special situation, and the House was dissolved under pressure.
“The current government has been mandated to hold elections on March 5 and transfer power to a new government thereafter. From a constitutional perspective, this is not a legitimate, publicly mandated administration. It emerged as an emergency arrangement to protect the constitution when no alternative government could be formed,” Pokharel said in his proposal. “The best course of action now is to conduct the election on time, conclude the interim government’s role, and restore constitutional processes through a newly elected parliament.”
Pokharel, however, argued that the conditions necessary for credible elections have yet to be created. He said restrictions preventing the UML chairperson from traveling outside the capital had impeded the party’s ability to prepare for polls, and that attempts were being made to curb UML activities through street-level pressure. He expressed confidence that the party would neutralize actions taken against it and help unite the country’s political forces.
Pokharel has also proposed allowing former President Bidya Devi Bhandari back into party politics. “It is a matter of pride that Bidya Devi Bhandari, after holding a dignified position as President, wishes to return and contribute her experience and energy,” he said, arguing that excluding her from party membership would be a loss for the UML and that a conducive environment should be created for her return.
Bhandari has claimed that her party membership had already been renewed. However, the UML Central Committee meeting held in July officially barred her from re-entering active politics.
