KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has said that the government has failed to create a conducive environment for elections.

Speaking with party cadres in his constituency in Morang on Friday, Koirala said elections must be held on March 5. He added that the NC is keen to go to the polls as elections are the hallmark of democracy. “We are waiting for the election date, but looking at the government’s preparedness, doubts have arisen over whether elections will actually be held,” Koirala said.

Koirala said the government needs to create an enabling environment for elections. “Some party leaders are not allowed to leave Kathmandu, looted weapons are still outside state control, prisoners are roaming free—what is the government thinking about these issues?” Koirala asked.

The Sushila Karki-led caretaker government, which formed after the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9, has announced that it will hold the House of Representatives elections on March 5.