Nepal's Prime Minister Karki Eager for Swift Power Transfer After Elections

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that she will transfer power as soon as possible. Speaking with the BBC immediately after the elections were concluded, she mentioned that her main responsibility was fulfilled and that she is eager to step down from the government.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing a historic task following the elections, she said that the mandate given to the government has been fulfilled, and now the transition period will be shortened to pave the way for the new government.

'It is a joy when the assigned work is completed,' she said, 'Now, looking at the process of power transfer, whether it is a coalition government or a single party, our utmost effort will be to form the new government as quickly as possible and hand it over before we step aside.'

No Misuse of Resources Due to Not Being in Office

When asked about the difference between past elections and this one, Karki claimed that this election was excellent in terms of impartiality and frugality. She stated that because the Prime Minister and cabinet members themselves were not candidates, there was no misuse of state resources and assets.

'In previous elections, it seemed the cabinet would focus entirely on the election, preoccupied with how to win, and there would be exploitation of resources,' Karki said, 'But that did not happen now. Since we were not candidates in the election, no misuse occurred. This was a very frugal election.'

She clarified that the Election Commission was allowed to work independently, and the government only played a supportive role.

Elections Successful Due to Diligence

She mentioned that despite widespread market speculation and criticism that elections would not happen since the government was formed, the government remained unwavering in its goal. She argued that this historic achievement was possible due to the singular diligence of the cabinet, even though many tried to obstruct and criticize.

'We did not pay attention to what others said, who criticized, or who obstructed the path. There were even claims that elections would not happen, but we remained focused on our work. We worked to appease the parties, encourage them, and strengthen the environment,' she said, 'Our commitment from day one to ensure no bloodshed during the election process has been fulfilled.'

Preparing to Publish White Paper and Remaining Reports

The government is preparing to publish some important reports before handing over power. She mentioned that the council related to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement has already been formed, and they are in the process of receiving the commission's reports.

Karki also stated that there is a plan to prepare a document resembling a white paper summarizing the shortcomings and experiences observed during the governance period and submit it to the new government. 'We have a long list of shortcomings we observed. We will try to inform them about this memory,' she said.

Expectation from the New Government: No More Returning in Coffins

Prime Minister Karki emphasized that the new government must not allow the hopes and trust of the youth to die.

'Nepali people should not have to go abroad for employment. Such incidents where young people go for jobs and return in coffins should not happen anymore,' she said, 'The desire is for the country's economic development and the establishment of good governance.'