Mahaabhiyan withdraws all protest programs
KATHMANDU: The Mahaabhiyan for the Protection of Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture and Citizens has withdrawn its programmes of protests and others scheduled to be held from today.
The Mahaabhiyan has withdrawn its protest programs following talks and agreement signed at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
The memorandum of understanding has been signed by the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Ajaya Bhadra Khanal and Secretary Premdeep Limbu on behalf of the Mahaabhiyan. Discussions were held at length regarding the 27-point demands raised by the Mahaabhiyan during the talks and an agreement was reached through continuous discussions, negotiations and facilitation. The government has agreed to address the legitimate issues raised by the Mahaabhiyan, keeping in mind the current situation of law and order in the country, reads a statement.
Following the agreement, the Nepal Bandh and indefinite general strike programs announced by the Mahaabhiyan starting from today has also been withdrawn and only peaceful programs shall be held. An agreement has also been held to hold the next round of talks with the Mahaabhiyan leadership as soon as possible.
Source: Nepal News
Nepali Congress decides to take part in March vote
The Nepali Congress has officially decided to participate in the elections scheduled for March 5. This is in sharp contrast to its coalition partner until September and the second largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives—the CPN-UML—is rooting for the House’s restoration.
After a month-long central working committee meeting, the Congress on Saturday took an official decision to participate in the elections. “We firmly believe that only through elections can we safeguard the Constitution, institutionalise the voices for change raised during the Gen-Z movement and move the country forward,” reads the party’s decision shared after the meeting.
The Congress has also decided to register itself with the Election Commission for the purpose of the National Assembly election to be held on January 25 next year, as well as the subsequent House elections.
For this purpose, Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel of the Congress Central Office is entrusted with completing all processes required by the law, including party registration at the Election Commission, the Congress stated.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
UML giving mixed signals on elections
While Oli rejects elections upfront, other UML leaders say they will join the poll process.
CPN-UML, the second largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives, has reiterated its demand for House reinstatement while terming the interim government “unauthorised” to conduct the elections.
Oli insists that Karki’s appointment as prime minister is unconstitutional as it doesn’t go by the constitutional provision that one must be a member of the lower house to be the prime minister. Addressing the party’s mass meeting on Saturday, Oli questioned the incumbent government’s authority to conduct the elections.
“You [Karki] do not even have the authority to conduct the elections,” Oli charged.
Despite Oli questioning the authenticity of the government, the party is positive about contesting elections, said a UML leader. The question of a breach of the constitution during government formation is certainly there, but this does not mean the party will shy away from the election, the leader said.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
Poll body reports 837,094 new voters as registration closes
The Election Commission has added 837,094 new voters to the rolls ahead of the March 5 snap polls as the registration closed on Friday.
While 344,914 got registered through the commission’s district offices, 492,189, who had already got national identity cards, were listed online. The total number of registered voters for the snap polls, scheduled to take place in three-and-a-half months, has now risen to 19,005,324 which is an increase of about five percent.
Suman Ghimire, information officer at the commission, said the number can decrease after the final tally. “We will deduct those who will not attain 18 years by March 4 from the final tally,” he said. The number after verification will be published on December 6.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
42 glacial lakes in Koshi Province under severe threat
Recent data from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) indicate that 42 glacial lakes in Koshi Province are facing critical risk.
During a discussion held today in Khandbari, the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha, ICIMOD expert Sharad Prasad Joshi shared insights from the 2020 report on Risks Arising from Rapid Changes in Nepal’s Glaciers and Glacial Lakes. Joshi noted that out of a total of 2,069 glacial lakes in Nepal, only 42, located in the Koshi region, are classified as highly at risk.
He warned that a potential burst of a glacial lake could result in catastrophic loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of heightened vigilance and preparedness. Joshi further pointed out that within Sankhuwasabha, four glacial lakes-including those in the Bhotkhola and Makalu areas-are categorized as high-risk.
Source: The Himalayan Times
India to face Nepal in blind women’s T20 WC final
COLOMBO: India beat Australia on Saturday to enter the final of the first blind women’s T20 world cup against Nepal, winners of the other semi-final against Pakistan in Colombo.
India won the first semi-final by nine wickets while Nepal cruised into Sunday’s final at Colombo’s P. Saravanamuttu Stadium after beating Pakistan by seven wickets.
Basanti Hansda top scored for India with 45 while Ganga Kadam (41) and K Karuna (16) were not out when they took India into the finals with 112-1 in 11.5 overs.
Nepal’s Binita Pun scored 46 off 23 balls before being ruled out hit wicket. Susma Tamang was not out on 36.
The final will be played on Sunday at the Saravanamuttu Stadium which is the oldest Test cricket venue in Sri Lanka.
Source: DAWN/AFP
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact do you think the Mahaabhiyan withdrawal will have on the immediate political climate?
- Do you expect the UML to join the March polls despite the mixed signals?
- How should authorities prioritise risks from the 42 high‑risk glacial lakes in Koshi Province?
- What does the surge in new voters mean for Nepal’s March election dynamics?
- How significant is Nepal reaching a global sporting final for inclusive sport development?