The government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, which took charge amid the chaotic environment created by the Gen-G movement, held the election for the House of Representatives on Thursday. With the peaceful election, the ‘constitutional vacuum’ created after the dissolution of the House of Representatives on 27 Bhadra has found a legitimate outlet.

In the backdrop of the Gen-G movement on 23 Bhadra, President Ram Chandra Poudel sought a ‘big solution’ by going beyond the constitutional provisions and forming a government under Karki’s leadership. Civic leader and educationist Kedar Bhakta Mathema said that this government achieved success by ‘walking on gunpowder’. ‘It could have exploded as soon as it started mining,’ he said, ‘but it was the success of bringing it here without it. It was no small matter to coordinate with the agitating Gen-G, old parties, and royalists to hold the election.’

When forming the government under Karki, President Poudel had given a mandate to hold the election within six months. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the election would be held for a long time. In the meantime, there were many rumors of changing the government and amending the constitution. However, the election was finally held. ‘There was no election at all, there was confusion about where the constitution would go, now that is over,’ said Mathema.

Speaking to Kantipur after the election on Thursday, Prime Minister Karki recalled that when she initially took charge, there was no environment for dialogue with all parties. ‘We gradually took all parties into confidence and increased dialogue and harmony,’ she said, ‘There was no alternative for all parties to come together. Everyone realized that elections were the appropriate democratic way out of that situation.’

According to the Election Commission, about 58 percent of the votes were cast in the election on Thursday. Not a single person lost their life during the election, and no re-voting was required in any constituency. Home Minister Omprakash Aryal says that they succeeded in managing a stateless situation and conducting the election by minimizing conflict. ‘We normalized the situation by balancing the opposing forces,’ he said. ‘The environment for elections was created after the rule of law was guaranteed.’

This government has held the elections amidst the loss of life and property during the Gen-G movement and the chaos that spread across the country. During the Gen-G uprising, 77 people lost their lives and private and public property was vandalized and set on fire across the country. Former Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokharel says that he deserves thanks to the government and the Election Commission officials for holding the elections by bringing everyone together amidst the complications.’ “I vividly remembered the situation during the 2006 Constituent Assembly elections,” said Pokharel, who was the Chief Election Commissioner in the first Constituent Assembly elections. “The elections were held in the last place amidst the same challenge of whether or not they would be held.”

Anil Sinha, who worked with Prime Minister Karki as a judge in the Supreme Court when he was the Chief Justice and who also held the responsibility of Minister of Law and Industry in the current cabinet, says that the government “seized this opportunity amidst a very big challenge.” “In the meantime, artificial problems arose again and again, and a minefield was prepared for spreading fake news,” he said. “Recently, a large crowd had started gathering to prevent the elections from happening. In the meantime, this opportunity given by history was seized.”

Gen-G movement leader Raksha Bam thanked Prime Minister Karki, government ministers, and every mechanism in the state and voters for successfully holding the elections peacefully. “There was a dilemma whether the elections would be held or not. But the voting has been completed with enthusiasm and in a peaceful manner. It also reflects the character of our society. It seems that society wants peace and sympathy. It seems that it is looking for good governance. The Gen-Gs are enthusiastic,' she said, 'Elections were the minimum condition for an interim government. Democracy requires a people-elected government. This was also the 'mandate' of the Gen-G movement. That has been fulfilled.'

She has also expressed gratitude to the President and the Prime Minister on social media for holding the election and overcoming the country's crisis. Recalling the critical situation after the Gen-G movement, she said on social media, 'I still remember that day (Bhadra 27). Immediately after the oath-taking, the President shook hands with Prime Minister Sushila Karki and said, "Well, now the burden of the country is on your shoulders. Please hold the election on time. Best wishes," she praised the President and the Prime Minister, 'Mr. President, thank you. You are the cornerstone of our democracy.

You set an example of what constitutional dignity and determination should be in times of crisis. Respected Prime Minister, thank you. For saving the country, for accepting responsibility and moving forward in difficult times.'

She believes that the election will provide a solution for the country. 'Regardless of the results, the election was held on time. The country has won. We are optimistic. The elected government will work according to the demands and spirit of the movement. We want a corruption-free state. The people's elected government that will be formed will address common issues. All the mechanisms of society deserve thanks,' she said.

Former Supreme Court Justice Girish Chandra Lal said that regardless of the results, a peaceful election will strengthen the democratic system in the country. He said that the question raised by some about the constitutional status of the government after the dissolution of the House of Representatives with the formation of the government has now been resolved with the election. ‘The Supreme Court could not give a verdict on time,’ he said, ‘but now this question of legitimacy is no longer for the new government.’

Former Justice Lal considered the completion of the election a ‘very big’ success amid uncertainty over whether the election would take place or not and whether it would be peaceful. ‘Thank you to Prime Minister Sushila Karki and the government for this success,’ he said.

Former IGP of Nepal Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar responded to the commendable conduct of the election. ‘Comparatively, the election was better than the previous ones, fearless, fair and peaceful. It was possible through collective efforts,’ he said, ‘The government, the head of government, the Election Commission, the security agencies, the political parties, took responsibility and worked together to make the election successful. They are all commendable.’