Nepal: Major political parties agree on announcing poll dates

The ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and main opposition parties have agreed on the announcement of the civic poll dates in three to four days, however, they stuck to their old stances on the Constitution Amendment Bill.

This means the political deadlock will continue for some time, but all sides have agreed to fast-track the passage of election related bills, reports the Himalayan Times.

According to CPN-Maoist Centre leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the ruling and opposition parties agreed on issues related to local polls, such as passing election related bills as soon as possible and declaring local poll dates in three to four days, but failed to forge consensus on the Constitution Amendment Bill.

"UML leaders told us to withdraw the bill but we refused to do so," said Shrestha adding that the government would declare local polls in the next three to four days and prepare to hold polls by mid-May.

When asked whether the government would now postpone the process of the bill, Shrestha said: "The ruling parties want it to pass on the basis of consensus or settle the matter through the voting process, but they will decide after consulting the agitating forces.

The Federal Alliance and the United Democratic Madhesi Front have been saying they will accept polls only after a revised Constitution Amendment Bill is passed. Nine opposition parties led by the UML have been obstructing House proceedings to stall any debate on the constitution amendment bill.

Meanwhile, UML Deputy Parliamentary Party leader Subas Chandra Nembang said the meeting agreed to announce poll dates in a couple days.

Asked what his party would do in the House, Nembang said his party lawmakers would continue obstructing proceedings related to the Constitution Amendment Bill but not other processes.