Nepali Congress Endorses Manifesto for March 5 HoR Elections in Virtual CWC Meet

KATHMANDU, February 18, 2026 — The Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee (CWC) today formally endorsed the party's comprehensive election manifesto during a virtual meeting, paving the way for its official public unveiling at a major rally in Janakpur.

Titled a "Commitment Letter" or "10-Point Vision," the document outlines bold promises centered on dignified living standards, full employment opportunities, quality education and healthcare access, accountable and transparent governance, anti-corruption measures, economic recovery, youth empowerment, and inclusive development for marginalized regions and communities.

NC President Gagan Kumar Thapa presented key elements of the summary at the Janakpur election assembly, drawing large crowds of supporters. He emphasized the party's resolve to address grievances from the 2025 Gen Z protests, assuring that youth voices would be heard and that no violent crackdowns—like those alleged in past demonstrations—would occur under NC leadership.

Thapa specifically vowed that masked protests and attacks on state symbols (such as burning Singha Durbar) would not be tolerated, while pledging a Nepal free from state-sponsored violence against demonstrators. The full manifesto is slated for detailed release tomorrow in Kathmandu, where Thapa will field media questions.

This manifesto launch marks a key milestone in NC's campaign strategy for the March 5 House of Representatives elections. As one of Nepal's oldest democratic parties, NC positions itself as a moderate, reform-oriented force capable of bridging generational divides and restoring stability after the interim period.

The pledges respond directly to public demands amplified during the September 2025 protests: ending corruption, creating jobs for youth, improving education and health infrastructure, and ensuring accountable leadership. With over 915,000 new voters registered since 2022—many first-time participants influenced by digital activism—the manifesto targets this demographic heavily.

Analysts view the 10-point framework as pragmatic yet ambitious, focusing on achievable goals within Nepal's federal structure while promising constitutional and policy reforms to strengthen democracy.

The Janakpur event in Madhesh Province signals NC's intent to consolidate support in the Terai, a crucial electoral battleground. Massive attendance reflects enthusiasm amid economic challenges and political uncertainty.

As other parties roll out their visions, the election discourse increasingly centers on who can best deliver post-protest reforms without repeating past governance failures.

Sources: The Kathmandu Post, The Rising Nepal, Himal Press, Desh Sanchar, Instagram/24 Ghanta Nepal.