CPN-UML Postpones Election Manifesto Release Despite Election Commission Deadline

Kathmandu. CPN-UML has decided to release its election manifesto only after February 3. Although the Election Commission directed the party to publish and submit the election manifesto to the Election Commission by February 3, UML is preparing to release its election manifesto only after February 3, citing a lack of preparation.

CPN-UML Central Office Secretary Dr. Bhishma Adhikari informed that Chairman KP Sharma Oli has returned from Jhapa and started studying the draft of the manifesto. According to him, it is difficult to release the manifesto before February 3 because the Chairman needs to complete his study and incorporate necessary additions and subtractions. 

‘The work of preparing the manifesto is progressing rapidly, but the possibility of it being released before February 3 is slim,’ said Office Secretary Adhikari.  

CPN-UML had formed a draft committee under the chairmanship of Chairman KP Sharma Oli to prepare the election manifesto draft. The members of the draft committee include Vice-Chairmen Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’, Bishnu Paudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, leaders Ishwar Pokharel, Pradeep Gyawali, and Bishnu Prasad Rimal. 

The draft committee collected suggestions after consulting with experts and stakeholders from various sectors. CPN-UML leaders have stated that this time the election manifesto will not be lengthy. CPN-UML has announced that the manifesto, which will incorporate issues prioritized in the previous election, will place nationalism as the top priority. 

Meanwhile, another party, Nepali Congress, has already announced the release of its election manifesto on February 2. Congress Spokesperson Chalise stated that preparations are underway to release the election pledge document by February 2. With only 20 days remaining until the voting date, another national party, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has also not released its election manifesto. The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) has already published its manifesto incorporating ambitious plans, while JSP has announced it will release its manifesto today, February 1.