Listening to People’s Voice is the Soul of Democracy: PM Karki; President Paudel Urges Completion of Elections Within Six Months

Kathmandu / Sept. 19: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that listening to the people’s voice is the very soul of democracy. Stating that democracy is a system built to hear people’s concerns, she remarked that Constitution Day is also a day to evaluate the achievements of the federal democratic republic.

Addressing a special ceremony held at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, on the occasion of Constitution Day and National Day, Prime Minister Karki expressed her commitment to moving forward with reforms by reflecting on past achievements and shortcomings.

Recalling that Nepal’s Constitution, passed and promulgated by the Constituent Assembly on September 20, 2015, was the outcome of people’s sacrifices, struggles, and movements, she emphasized that protecting and successfully implementing it is a shared responsibility of all Nepalis.

Referring to the recent Gen-Z movement, she described it as an expression of youth dissatisfaction and expectations. Stressing that democracy is a system of dialogue and solution, she reiterated the government’s commitment to listening and responding to citizens’ voices.

Prime Minister Karki clarified that she had assumed the role of Prime Minister for interim management and vowed to complete parliamentary elections within six months, handing over responsibilities to a popularly elected government.

On Constitution Day, she paid tribute to the martyrs of past and recent movements, wished speedy recovery for the injured, and called on all stakeholders to join hands in rebuilding what was lost. She also pledged to prioritize good governance, transparency, eradication of corruption, job creation, and development as key national agendas.

The ceremony was attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, and other distinguished guests.

President Paudel Urges Completion of Elections Within Six Months

President Ramchandra Paudel has called on all sides to work together to complete parliamentary elections within six months, stating that a national consensus had provided a way out of the political deadlock after no option remained to form a Council of Ministers from Parliament.

Addressing a special ceremony at the Office of the President on the occasion of Constitution Day and National Day 2082, President Paudel urged all political parties, state institutions, intellectuals, and citizens to rise above disagreement and prejudice, and to coordinate and cooperate to ensure the success of the upcoming elections.

“This Constitution has given sovereignty and freedom to the Nepali people,” he said. “It has ensured equal rights to all citizens regardless of caste, religion, or community, and provided an opportunity for progress through coordination. We are at the strongest point in our constitutional history, and this is an epochal achievement that we must protect.”

Sharing his personal journey, President Paudel recalled joining democratic politics at the age of 17 during the 1960 movement. He said circumstances had placed him in the position of navigating the political vacuum after September 9, and credited collective wisdom and cooperation for overcoming the difficult situation.

He urged all to remain committed to democracy, keep citizens at the center, and uphold good governance, morality, and integrity in politics and governance.

President Paudel extended best wishes for a dignified journey ahead, fulfilling the aspirations of Nepalis for change and progress. He also thanked friendly nations for their continued support and goodwill in these testing times.

Expressing confidence that a fresh mandate would further institutionalize democracy and shape the country’s future, he said the interim government would focus on rebuilding national losses and hand over power to an elected body within six months. “This is the foremost responsibility of all Nepalis at this moment,” he stressed.

Acknowledging the heavy human and material loss during the recent two-day protests, the President said, “As a parent, I can feel the grief of the families who lost their children, and as the guardian of the nation, I feel the immense loss of our youth. On this Constitution Day, I want to honor the awareness and goodwill of the young people who came to the streets on September 8 for a brighter future of the nation.”

Highlighting Nepal’s culture, nature, and geographic diversity as sources of immense potential, he said their proper utilization could transform the living standards of the people. He underscored that the Constitution would continue to provide guidance toward socialism-oriented economic development, equal access to state services, social security, and inclusive growth.

President Paudel concluded by urging all to prioritize good governance, end irregularities, create employment, ensure environmental sustainability, and promote social justice. He stressed that the demand of the Gen-Z generation for an end to corruption and maladministration should be taken seriously, and that all must resolve to move forward with reform and accountability.