Ruling parties decide to announce local poll soon

Kathmandu, Feb 19: The government has decided to announce the date for local polls soon.
A meeting of the ruling parties held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar today to discuss about the date for election and other contemporary issues decided in this regard.
As part of its effort to reach to a consensus, the government was working to forward constitution amendment proposal along with announcement of local elections by bringing the disgruntled parties on board. Accordingly, it held phase-wise discussion with sides concerned, but no positive result was produced as yet.
The government is going to declare the election date viewing the current situation of the country and as a mid-point between the two agitating sides.
On the occasion, top leaders including Prime Minster and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, among others, discussed on contemporary situation of the country and expressed determination for moving ahead towards the path of election.
Prime Minister Dahal had been making preparation to announce the date for local polls by holding discussion with the ruling party, NC, today. PM Dahal on Saturday also held consultation with United Democratic Madhesi Front regarding election and constitution amendment proposal.
An agreement was reached among the ruling parties to hold elections by moving ahead with the constitution amendment process by declaring the date of the elections soon, leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha told media persons after the meeting. “The ruling parties were clear on the position to first conclude the constitution amendment process and hold elections, however the present situation does not allow that hence a decision was reached to announce the date of elections soon,” he said while adding that he however cannot tell the exact date or hour of the same.

He also said as discussion is underway with the Madhesi front to finalize the constitution amendment process and go for elections, it is expected that the front would not wage any further movement.

Nepali congress General Secretary Dr Shashank Koirala said the ruling parties agreed to hold elections soon after carrying out necessary consultation with the electoral constituency delineation commission. “The date for elections will be announced after consultation with the Commission office-bearers this evening,” he said.

DPM and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi and other leaders were also present in the meeting.