Prachanda Calls February 21 Election Unusual, Calls for Thorough Investigation After Reaching Rukum

April 30, Rukum West – Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party, called the February 21 election unusual and unnatural.

While traveling to his electoral constituency, Rukum East, and stopping in Rukum West, Prachanda spoke to reporters in Musikot, describing the election and its results as irregular and unnatural.

“The results that have come in, after hearing reports from various places, do not appear straightforward. In some constituencies, candidates themselves claim that even the votes they cast were not counted for them; in others, there are questions about how certain candidates received so many votes despite expectations; in some areas, there are reports saying our votes were far greater but were somehow lost. After reviewing these, we conclude that this election is not a normal one,” he said.

He stated that his party’s conclusion is that a more thorough study and investigation must be conducted. However, he acknowledged accepting the nearly two-thirds majority vote received by the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Prachanda said his party would support the government in its positive initiatives and criticize its negative actions, playing a constructive opposition role.

He further said that the Nepal Communist Party will now give special priority to youth. Leadership selections will occur from the ward level up to the central level, and every committee will ensure 50 percent representation of youth and new youth members.

The coordinator also expressed the necessity of reorganizing the entire communist movement. “It’s not enough to just improve our party; the complete communist movement of Nepal needs restructuring. Keeping in mind the setbacks communists faced in this election, the party’s extended meeting has decided to reorganize the entire communist movement and efforts have already begun,” he added.

Meanwhile, he opposed recent government decisions, including forcibly evicting squatters, dissolving trade unions, suppressing student organizations, issuing ordinances, and postponing scheduled parliamentary sessions, branding these moves unconstitutional.

Noting that recent measures could lead the government toward authoritarianism, he called on the administration to reform. Identifying himself as a guardian of the current government, he pledged to continuously warn against negative actions.

Additionally, Prachanda expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation among long-established parties to lead the defense of the constitution and republic, as well as working to strengthen international diplomatic relations.