From Deadlock to Ballot

With the code of conduct coming into force from midnight on Monday and nominations for the candidates of First Past the Post (FPTP) system set to be filed on Tuesday, the country has formally entered the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5. The Election Commission (EC) said the code of conduct was enforced following consultations with Prime Minister Sushila Karki. After the conclusion of the Nepali Congress (NC)’s Special General Convention, attempts have been made to lodge objections against the party’s new leadership with the EC and even to seek judicial intervention. Nevertheless, the EC has sent a clear message that the election schedule will not be altered. With the enforcement of the code of conduct, speculation that the election date could be postponed has been decisively dispelled. The election is the need of the hour to break the current political deadlock. Since the Gen Z movement in September last year, the Sushila Karki-led government has worked relentlessly with the singular objective of holding elections. The government has even made efforts to bring dissenting parties together to create a conducive electoral environment. Despite persistent doubts among some sections that the election might not be held on time, breaking through such scepticism and preparing the ground for the polls is a serious and commendable achievement.