60% turnout in HoR Election: EC’s preliminary estimate; Our Responsibility is Complete; will Transfer Power Soon: PM Karki

Kathmandu / March 5: Election Commission, Nepal, has made a preliminary estimate that voter turnout in the election for the members of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been about 60 percent.

At a press meet held today at the EC office, officiating chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari informed that the EC has made a preliminary estimate that the voter turnout across the country in the HoR election held today has been 60 percent.

He said voting was held peacefully.

He thanked all involved in the conduction of the HoR election for successful holding of the poll.

Our Responsibility for the Elections Is Complete; We Will Transfer Power as Soon as Possible: PM Karki

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said the government will hand over power as soon as possible following the completion of the elections. Speaking to BBC shortly after the elections concluded, she stated that the government had fulfilled its primary responsibility and was now eager to step down.

Karki said the successful completion of the elections was a historic achievement and that the mandate given to the government had been accomplished. She added that the government aims to shorten the transition period and facilitate the formation of a new government.

“Once the assigned responsibility is completed, there is naturally a sense of satisfaction,” she said. “Now, depending on the process of power transfer—whether a coalition government or a single-party government—we will make every effort to ensure the new government is formed as quickly as possible and hand over power before stepping aside.”

No Misuse of State Resources

When asked about the difference between previous elections and the latest one, Karki claimed that this election stood out in terms of fairness and frugality. She noted that neither the prime minister nor members of the cabinet were candidates in the election, which helped prevent the misuse of state resources.

“In previous elections, cabinet members often focused entirely on the polls and on securing their own victories, which sometimes led to the exploitation of state resources,” Karki said. “But this time that did not happen. Since we were not candidates, there was no misuse of resources. It has been a very economical election.”

She also clarified that the government allowed the Election Commission to function independently while the government played only a supportive role.

Elections Successful Due to Persistence

Karki said that when her government was formed, there were widespread doubts and criticism suggesting that elections would not take place. However, the government remained committed to its objective despite obstacles and criticism.

“We did not pay attention to who criticized us or who tried to block the process,” she said. “Many claimed elections would not happen, but we remained focused on our work. We worked to bring political parties together and create a conducive environment.”

She also noted that one of the government’s first commitments—to ensure that the election process remained free of bloodshed—had been fulfilled.

Preparation to Publish White Paper

Before handing over power, the government plans to publish several important reports. Karki said that the council related to the GNG agreement has already been formed and that the government is in the process of receiving reports from various commissions.

She also said the government intends to prepare a document similar to a white paper outlining lessons learned, challenges faced, and shortcomings encountered during its tenure to share with the incoming administration.

“There is a long list of weaknesses and lessons we have identified,” she said. “We will try to inform the new government about them so they can benefit from our experience.”

Expectations from the New Government

Prime Minister Karki emphasized that the next government must not allow the hopes of young people to fade.

“Nepalis should not have to leave the country in search of employment,” she said. “Young people should not be forced to go abroad for work and return home in coffins. Such incidents must not happen again.”

She expressed hope that the country would achieve economic development and strengthen good governance in the coming years.