KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a courtesy meeting with former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav at the Prime Minister’s residence, Baluwatar, where they discussed preparations for the upcoming elections and the current political environment.

PM Karki stated that, in line with the sentiments of the Gen Z movement, her government is working to ensure good governance and to transfer power to a democratically elected government.

Former President Yadav emphasized that all political parties must participate in the elections and that no one should avoid them.

He praised the government’s preparations for the elections and its dialogue with various stakeholders.

“Political parties must participate in elections. The best way to advance the country through democratic processes is via elections. Your preparations and dialogue with all sides have created a positive environment. The Election Commission has been allocated a budget, and arrangements for election materials are underway. This is commendable. Now, also engage with civil society, as they too should encourage parties to participate,” he said.

Yadav also shared his experience of how elections were possible during his presidency in 2013, under the then Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi-led government, discussing the security situation and geopolitical context of that period.

He stressed the importance of coordination among all security agencies to strengthen election security.

Confident that all parties understand the necessity of elections, he said everyone would participate in the upcoming polls scheduled for March 5 next year.

“I am telling the parties that there is no alternative to elections. Elections must be held, and this process should not be delayed under any pretext,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, among others.

Yesterday, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal had also met former President Yadav at his residence in Lalitpur.

The government is intensifying dialogue with various stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the elections on March 5 next year.