CPN-Maoist Leader Prachanda Stresses Need for Fair Elections, Warns Against Past Violence

Kathmandu. Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), has emphasized that all stakeholders must be responsible for ensuring the upcoming elections are clean, impartial, and free from rigging. Addressing a program organized by the CPN Nuwakot-Kathmandu Liaison Coordination Committee in Kathmandu on Friday, Prachanda stated that the role of security agencies and the Election Commission would be crucial in the elections being held under the current adverse circumstances.

He warned that if everyone does not fulfill their responsibilities, the country might face an unpleasant situation again. While expressing confidence in Nepal's security agencies, the Army and Police, Prachanda voiced apprehension that tragic incidents of the past could be repeated if all parties are not equally responsible. "If everyone does not act responsibly, destructive incidents like those of Bhadra 24 could be repeated," he said, demanding security vigilance and impartiality.

He maintained that the legitimacy of the election must not be questioned under any circumstances and that an environment free from rigging must be ensured. Prachanda clarified that his party is currently not in favor of forming an electoral alliance with any power, stating that the CPN is ready to face the public's test alone.

He claimed that if the election is impartial, no one can stop the CPN from becoming the number one party in the country. He asserted that his party stands strong against the arrogant tendency to suppress the youth on Bhadra 23 and the reactionary forces that caused destruction on Bhadra 24.

Prachanda analyzed that a wave of public support for the CPN is building across the country, putting older political parties in a very difficult position. He also informed that the party has already issued a circular down to the grassroots level to make special preparations in all polling booths and wards to prevent potential rigging during the elections. At the program, he also directed the cadres to reach the doorsteps of the people with high morale and engage in election preparations.