Nepal Elections: PM Karki, Oli discuss poll security and political situation

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday held a one-on-one meeting with former prime minister K P Sharma Oli, marking their first formal interaction since Oli was ousted from power following nationwide Gen Z-led protests last September.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar and focused on preparations for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. Prime Minister Sushila Karki , who is serving as Nepal’s interim prime minister after her predecessor resigned following widespread protests, convened the session with former prime minister K P Sharma Oli who was not in asylum but had resigned and was no longer in office and other political leaders and officials. According to Karki’s press advisor Ram Bahadur Rawal, the two leaders discussed ensuring that the polls are conducted in an impartial, free and fearless manner and reviewed security arrangements ahead of the elections.

Oli, who resigned on September 9 amid massive youth-led demonstrations that turned violent, reportedly sought details on security arrangements for the elections. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said concerns related to voter safety, law and order, and overall electoral fairness were raised during the interaction.

Beyond election logistics, Karki and Oli also exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country, as Nepal prepares for a crucial vote seen as a test of democratic stability after months of unrest.

The meeting comes shortly after the government lifted travel restrictions imposed on Oli, allowing him to travel abroad again. The restrictions were removed earlier this week, a day after Oli submitted a written response to a high-level probe commission investigating the September 8-9 Gen Z movement, during which more than 70 people were killed.

With campaigning expected to intensify in the coming weeks, attention is now focused on whether Oli will be permitted to actively contest the elections. While he remains a central figure in Nepali politics and a key leader of his party, his eligibility to contest will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe and decisions by election authorities.

The March 5 elections will see major political parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Centre and several regional groups, vying for control of the House of Representatives. The interim government has repeatedly pledged to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, amid heightened public scrutiny following last year’s unrest.

Observers say the outcome of the elections and Oli’s political future could significantly shape Nepal’s post-protest political trajectory, as the country seeks to restore trust in its democratic institutions and address the demands raised by a politically active younger generation.