Nawalpur, February 4
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that an estimated Rs 31 billion will be spent on this election.
Speaking to journalists in Nawalpur on Tuesday, where she had arrived to attend a programme of the National Service Corps, Prime Minister Karki shared the estimate.
She said the government is actively working to ensure that the election is held on Falgun 21 as scheduled. Responding to questions about rumours of a possible postponement, she said, “The election will not be postponed. Why should it be? Around Rs 31–32 billion is being spent at this time. This is not a recurring expense for every election. The money is being spent to address various shortages and to ensure the availability of physical resources. Such a large amount is being spent now, with assistance coming from various countries. Had this situation not arisen, that assistance would have been used elsewhere.”
Prime Minister Karki said the election will be held under any circumstances and that power will be handed over to a new government once new representatives are elected.
She added that even if elections are disrupted in some places for any reason, they will be completed in a second phase if necessary. In Himalayan districts, she said, if cold weather creates difficulties, arrangements will be made to transport people to accessible locations using vehicles to ensure voting takes place.
Prime Minister Karki reiterated that the government is serious and vigilant about peacefully conducting the election.
