PM Sushila Karki Visits Headquarters of Nepal Army, Calls for Full Support to Ensure Smooth, Violence-Free Elections

On Friday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited the Nepal Army Headquarters in Bhadrakali to press the military to take the lead role in ensuring a peaceful, secure election. With the parliamentary polls slated for March 5, 2026, her visit underscores the government’s determination to conduct elections under tight time pressure and amid political uncertainty. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Karki, who assumed office earlier this year in the wake of the youth-led “Gen-Z” movement, emphasized that holding the vote on schedule is not just a procedural requirement – but a patriotic responsibility she has personally embraced. She stated that the Army must guarantee delivery of the vote “without any violence.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The visit comes at a time when several major political parties continue to withhold full cooperation and have not formally recognised the interim government – raising serious doubts about whether the March deadline can be met. Karki’s remarks signal a shift in electoral security strategy: under her plan, the Nepal Army will take lead responsibility for security, while the Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police will play supporting roles. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

She directed the army to ensure that the elections proceed in a “fair, fearless environment” – “with not a single drop of blood spilled, or anyone injured.” At the same time, she asked for guarantees that ordinary political activity and movement of political leaders remain unimpeded, even if certain individuals remain under restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Security Planning and Coordination: A Unified Approach

During the inspection, senior army officers briefed Karki on the current security situation, major challenges, and their future strategy for election-time deployment. A detailed mobilization model was presented, outlining how the Army, APF, and Police would coordinate tasks in the weeks leading up to the polls. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Karki underscored that the Army should draw lessons from past elections, factor in sensitivities relating to recent unrest, and work in close coordination with other security agencies. She also asked them to assist police operations, recover weapons looted during the Gen-Z protests, and arrest any suspects still at large. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

She exhorted the Army to draft a clear and actionable plan ensuring public safety, freedom of political movement, and the maintenance of law and order – elements she said are essential for a legitimate, free, and fair electoral process. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Context: How Karki Became Interim PM and What’s at Stake

Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister in September 2025, following the collapse of the previous government amid nationwide protests triggered by social-media restrictions and allegations of corruption. She also became the first woman to hold the post. Shortly thereafter, Parliament was dissolved, and the next general election was scheduled for March 5, 2026. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Her appointment came after intense pressure from youth-led protesters known as “Gen Z,” who demanded political accountability and systemic reform. Many political actors remain unconvinced of the interim government’s legitimacy, making the forthcoming elections and security preparations all the more critical. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

By turning to the Nepal Army for lead security responsibility – with the APF and Police in auxiliary roles – Karki is signalling a significant shift in how Nepal approaches election security. With increased pressure to deliver credible elections despite polarized politics and a fragile social climate, the task ahead for the Army is formidable.

What This Means for Nepal’s Democracy

If the security framework holds, a peaceful election on March 5 could help reestablish political stability after months of unrest and uncertainty. A free, fair, and violence-free vote could restore public trust and pave the way for a new civilian government. Conversely, any breakdown in coordination or a slide into violence could further deepen Nepal’s political crisis.

For now, all eyes are on the Nepal Army: its ability to deliver on the Prime Minister’s mandate could determine whether Nepal’s democratic process navigates its most critical test in years – or slips into deeper turbulence.