Kathmandu, August 6: Nepal’s former prime minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, convened a meeting with several political parties represented in the federal parliament—excluding the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—to discuss concerns over a new proposal from the Election Commission.
The closed-door meeting was held at the Maoist Centre’s parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar and focused on the “Political Party Self-Assessment Procedure, 2025,” a document circulated by the Election Commission seeking feedback from all registered parties by August 7.
According to Prachanda’s Secretariat, the Maoist leader expressed concern that some provisions in the proposed procedure appear to contradict Nepal’s constitution and existing electoral laws. During the meeting, Prachanda stressed the need for broader political dialogue and consensus before submitting formal responses to the Election Commission.
“The document contains certain elements that may undermine existing constitutional and legal frameworks,” Prachanda reportedly said. “A unified stance from the parties is necessary.”
This meeting comes at a sensitive political moment in Nepal, with public trust in political institutions waning and the role of the Election Commission under increasing scrutiny. By excluding the two major ruling parties, the Maoist Centre’s initiative signals growing tensions within Nepal’s multiparty landscape and possibly hints at attempts to realign opposition voices.
The Election Commission’s self-assessment framework is part of its broader effort to improve party transparency, internal democracy, and accountability ahead of future national elections. But several political leaders have argued that the draft imposes bureaucratic burdens that could restrict political freedoms.
Whether the opposition bloc will present a joint response to the Election Commission remains uncertain, but Prachanda’s move to rally non-ruling parties indicates he may be laying the groundwork for a coordinated pushback.