President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the country has ushered into a new era of political stability and economic development following successful holding of the three-tier—local, provincial and federal—elections.

While making her first address to a joint meeting of upper and lower Houses (House of Representatives and National Assembly) on Thursday, President Bhandari said the significant phase of the constitution implementation has been over following the parliamentary and provincial elections.

Reading out a paper handed over by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the President said the successful holding of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty, and given rays of hope for prosperity.

She underlined the need of cooperation with the neighbouring countries for prosperity and development of the country.

President Bhandari hoped that Nepal will be free of corruption and called on everyone to join hands to wipe out corruption from the country.

Offering condolences to the people who laid down their lives for the nation, Bhandari said the time has come to fulfill the dreams of martyrs to take the country on the path to prosperity and economic development.

Likewise, the head of state said the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext, urging everyone to strive for a violence free society.

She said the people have expected good governance and development from the incumbent government. “The clear vision of the incumbent government has raised hopes among the people,” the President added.

Hailing Nepal’s Parliament as an example of unity in diversity, President was of the view that there has been a record participation of backward communities in various government sectors in the recent time.

“Though there are ruling and opposition sides in the Parliament, the people’s representatives should try to honour the expectations and trust of the people,” said President Bhandari.

Saying that Nepal was listed in the least developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, President Bhandari said the country should give impetus to economic development at a faster pace now.

The government should work effectively to raise awareness among youths and children, she said.

“A large number of youths are abroad for employment. Now the government should address the expectation of the youths for the nation's development,” said President Bhandari, adding, “The government should think of the ways to make the youth capable, and focus on children's education.”

Incumbent President Bidya Devi Bhandari was re-elected to the post, securing nearly three-fourths support of the total strength of Electoral College on March 14, 2018.

She was first elected to the post in October 2015. Prior to her election, she was the vice-chairperson of UML, the post to which she was elected twice in 2009 and 2014.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Timilsena, and government ministers, among others were present in the full parliament.