KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has said that the environment has been prepared for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5.

During a face-to-face programme organised by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), South Korea chapter, on Friday, the Minister, who also serves as the Spokesperson for the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki and mandated to conduct the election, said, “We will conduct the election on March 5. A conducive atmosphere for the election has already been created.”

He also assured that the election will be held in an impartial and fearless environment. “The Nepal Police has now new leadership. No political party has said that it will not take part in the election.

Some political parties have only expressed concerns over election security and demanded stronger security arrangements.”

According to him, building an election-friendly atmosphere is a shared responsibility of the government and the political parties.

He said the priorities of the incumbent government, formed on the foundation of the Gen Z protest, include establishing good governance, preventing corruption, and promoting employment and innovation, in addition to conducting the election.

The Minister, who is currently in the Republic of Korea in the course of participating in the 11th Global ICT Leadership Forum held in Seoul, said Nepal has a promising future in AI and digital transformation.

He added that Nepal has gained knowledge, skills, and experience from South Korea, one of the world’s leading countries in digital transformation, and expressed hope for further support from the Korean government, especially for the National AI Center that Nepal has recently established.

Minister Kharel said that Nepali nationals abroad aspire to see Nepal progress, with peace, stability, and good governance firmly established. “This government has no excuse for any wrongdoing.”

“We do not have much time to deliver more, but we are committed to establishing systems in the five months,” he added.

He also used the occasion to call for improvements in the existing electoral system to reduce its high costs. He shared that discussions will be held regarding the current electoral system and the form of governance, in line with the spirit of the Gen Z movement.

He stated that the incumbent government was formed constitutionally, approved by all political parties, and is supported by the international community.

Legal arrangements are in progress to ensure voting rights for Nepalis abroad. “I assure you that this provision will be guaranteed, even by an ordinance,” he said.

He also pledged to take measures to establish a direct Nepal Airlines flight connecting Nepal and South Korea.
FNJ South Korea chapter officiating Chair Santosh Khadka stressed that everyone should contribute positively and constructively to address the issues facing the Nepali community in South Korea and to further strengthen ties between Nepal and South Korea.

Participants of the programme urged the government to encourage investment in energy and tourism and to create an environment conducive to attracting economic investment.

They also called on the government to act as per the spirit of the Gen Z movement by ending corruption and promoting good governance. They demanded voting rights for Nepalis abroad in the upcoming election.

It is said that around 100,000 Nepalis are presently in South Korea for employment, business, and further studies.

Minister Kharel, who left Nepal on November 11 leading a Nepali delegation to the 11th Global ICT Leadership Forum, is scheduled to return home this evening.