President Paudel Calls All-Party Meeting

President Ramchandra Paudel has called an all-party meeting for Friday evening, October 10, summoning Prime Minister Sushila Karki and leaders of political parties in the dissolved House of Representatives amid growing pressure on the caretaker government to build consensus on the election roadmap.

Though the date for general elections has been announced for March 5, 2026 and the poll schedule approved by the Election Commission, the interim Cabinet has yet to begin formal dialogue with political parties.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Karki met President Paudel to brief him on ongoing election preparations.

The all-party meeting follows turmoil sparked by youth-led protests that began on September 8, when demonstrators in major cities took to the streets against corruption and the ban on over two dozen social media platforms imposed by the KP Sharma Oli government.

Tensions quickly escalated after protesters breached security barricades and clashed with police. In Kathmandu, security forces used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse crowds marching towards the Federal Parliament at New Baneshwar. A violent crackdown followed, with police opening fire. By the end of the day, 19 protesters were reported dead. 

Although then Home Minister Lekhak resigned that evening and the government lifted the social media ban, public anger intensified. On September 9, defying curfew orders, mobs—reportedly infiltrated by various groups—vandalised and torched public and private properties, including residences of politicians, government offices, courts, police stations, media houses, Bhatbhateni supermarkets, hotels, and vehicle showrooms.

The death toll has since surpassed six dozen, while many others remain hospitalised.

In the aftermath, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on September 12, in line with demands raised by the youth movement. The date for general elections was announced the day with the President dissolving the Parliament on Karki’s recommendation.

The all-party meeting comes a day after the prime minister, in a video message, urged citizens to embrace the spirit of the Gen Z movement, arguing that past governments failed to heed the voices of young people.

Reaffirming her commitment to political and administrative reforms to address corruption, unemployment, and discrimination, Karki said: “Behind our youths’ sacrifices lies a strong desire for political and economic reform. There is a longing for justice and the rule of law, and a wish to see corruption and malpractices eradicated from the country.”

She added that the government must prioritise relief measures for victims of the recent protests and establish frameworks to ensure meaningful youth participation in policymaking. Karki stressed that the reform process must continue beyond the upcoming elections.

“While all youths must remain aware of the demands raised by Gen Z, political parties must also work to reform themselves,” she said.