Background: crisis and resolution
Following political turmoil and the dissolution of the House of Representatives, President Ramchandra Paudel had publicly appealed to all parties to cooperate in holding the new election on March 5, 2026. His message emphasised that despite intense pressure, the Constitution, parliamentary system and federal democratic republic had been preserved, and that the next step was to renew public mandate through timely polls.
Why it matters now
As campaigning accelerates, those earlier statements are being referenced in party briefings and commentary as a benchmark for responsible behaviour. They provide a unifying narrative: that while parties compete fiercely, they share an obligation to protect the electoral schedule and avoid destabilising actions.
Risks and expectations
Recent protests and youth-led mobilisation have shown how quickly frustration can spill into the streets if institutions are perceived as unresponsive. Against that backdrop, the President’s framing increases pressure on both the interim government and opposition parties to avoid brinkmanship tactics such as election boycotts or last-minute demands to delay the vote. For voters, consistent messaging from top constitutional offices can help reassure that the election will proceed as scheduled, barring extraordinary circumstances.
