PATAN: The Nepali Congress (NC) has concluded that election is the proper political solution to the current situation in the country, and has decided to participate in the election.

The Central Working Committee meeting of the party held under the chairmanship of Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, at the party’s central office, Sanepa, Lalitpur, today decided that the party will take part in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026 as it is considered the appropriate way out for addressing the current political situation.

“We firmly believe that the country can be taken ahead by protecting the constitution through elections and institutionalising the voices raised for change during the Gen Z demonstrations. A fear-free environment is essential for elections, but currently, all circumstances, such as thousands of prisoners remaining in absconding, a large number of weapons missing, political parties unable to conduct their programmes uninterruptedly, and the minimum conditions necessary for elections not being established, are extremely serious,” reads a statement issued by the party’s Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel at the conclusion of the meeting. The Cetral Working Committee meeting had commenced on October 14.

The Nepali Congress has strongly demanded with the government to immediately improve the law and order situation, peace and security, boost the morale of security personnel and ensure a fear-free environment for the general public.

Recalling that the question of immediately taking the country out of the crisis and protecting the constitution became highly sensitive, in the context of a complex situation that created unimaginable destruction and chaos in the country on the 9th of September, the Nepali Congress has stated that in the absence of a government, the President had to appoint an interim Prime Minister from outside Parliament to address the demands of the protesting youth and maintain peace and security.

The statement also mentions that the NC has a clear view that a solution could have been sought within the Parliament according to the constitutional provisions.

“The Nepali Congress Work Execution Committee meeting on September 19 has already determined that the dissolution of Parliament is unconstitutional as it is contrary to the conception of the Constitution, and the interpretation of the esteemed Supreme Court, and that this step has put democratic achievements at risk. The Congress has the firm belief that solution is possible from within the constitution.”

Noting that this issue is not only political one but also a constitutional in the context of the formation of the interim government and the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the election date already announced, Nepali Congress believes that since this matter is under consideration by the honourable Supreme Court, the final interpretation will be made by the court.

The meeting expressed serious concern over the current state of peace and security and the increasing provocative and chaotic activities in recent days.

The Congress has stated that in such a sensitive situation, any act by any political party, group or faction to incite violence in any name, disturb harmony, or spread agitation or hatred can never be desirable.

“In a democratic system and under the rule of law, it cannot be considered natural or acceptable to prohibit someone or to attempt to restrict peaceful protests and freedom of expression, on impulse or passion. Such actions are contrary to the fundamental values of the constitution. They increase the likelihood of further polarization and violence in society.

Therefore, since restraint, dialogue, trust, and understanding are necessary rather than agitation, prohibition, or distrust, the Nepali Congress urges all concerned parties not to resort to any path of violence or agitation, not to engage in the politics of prohibition, and to seek solutions through dialogue with restraint,” the statement said.

Stating that it is a shared responsibility to protect and institutionally develop the federal, inclusive, democratic republican system established by the people through patience, struggle, and sacrifice in response to the call of the Congress and various political parties, the Congress has concluded that therefore all political parties need to participate enthusiastically in the House of Representatives election to be held on March 5, 2026.

The Nepali Congress has strongly demanded that the Election Commission, the government, and related parties create the necessary environment to make the elections fair, credible, and fearless.

Stating that a most unimaginable and tragic incident occurred during the demonstration against corruption and in favour of good governance called by the ‘Gen Z’ generation on September 8, the Congress has expressed deep sorrow over the incident in which 19 young people lost their lives that day.

The Nepali Congress has paid heartfelt tributes to all those who attained martyrdom during the demonstration, and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families with wishes for the eternal peace of the departed souls. The party has demanded for appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.

The Congress has expressed its hopes for a swift recovery for all those injured, emphasizing that the attack, vandalism, looting, and arson that took place on September 9 resulted in an unimaginable loss of life and property.

The meeting acknowledged that 57 individuals, including protesters and national security personnel, lost their lives that day, with hundreds more sustaining injuries. The Congress concluded that the violent and criminal acts of that day led to a state of lawlessness and anarchy across the nation.

“The protests saw the Presidential Palace, Singha Durbar, Parliament building, Supreme Court, various ministries, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, numerous courts, land revenue offices, provincial and local government offices, police stations, historical and administrative structures, the Koirala Residence in Biratnagar, the Ganeshman Singh Residence in Chaksibari, Kathmandu, and the ashram of respected leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai in Bandegaun, Lalitpur, set ablaze,” the press statement noted.

The mass assault on the party’s central office, along with party offices across 48 districts, targeted party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, his spouse, central committee member Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, who were also vandalized, looted, and set on fire.

Additionally, the private residences of over 125 leaders, including central office-bearers and members at provincial, district, regional, and local levels, were torched. “These attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson against various political parties’ offices, the private homes of political leaders, industrial and business establishments, and private properties were apolitical, criminal, and utterly destructive,” the statement asserted.

The Congress has acknowledged that the key issues raised by the ‘Gen-Z’ generation during the demonstrations—such as the need to end corruption, promote good governance, ensure transparency, and uphold the right to information—are valid, legitimate concerns that reflect the voices of ordinary citizens.

They have reaffirmed their commitment to play a crucial role in addressing these governance-related demands. The next meeting of the NC central working committee will take place on November 27.