Politicos in Nepal for local polls in two phases

The ruling alliance and the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) have agreed to go for the local polls in two phases and fast track passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill.

Leaders during the meeting, which lasted for around six hours yesterday, decided to go for the polls if the government passes the Amendment Bill through fast track, thereby paving the way for the long time agitating parties to go for polls.

"After they (ruling alliance) endorse the Amendment Bill in the Parliament and complete dialogue with the Election Commission, we will decide over it by calling the meeting along with the Federal Alliance," said UDMF member Rajendra Shrestha.

It was agreed upon in yesterday's meeting that the issue of delineation would be solved through a Commission, which will submit a report highlighting ways to help solve the hustle.

The two sides also agreed to accept the languages referred by the language commission to be used in the government offices.

The meeting also decided to give absolute right to the Federal Parliament to report their objection and report regarding the issue of delineation within 30 days to the center for solution.

"Until and unless the election for Provincial Parliament isn't held the present constitutional assembly will see all the task of regarding delineation, language and other things as per the constitutional provision stated in article 296- A," Shrestha briefed the media here.

Meanwhile, the member party of alliance led by Upendra Yadav demanded for unilateral polls and rejected the proposal of holding the election in two phases.

Later, they made an oral agreement to go for the polls in two phases but it is yet to be decided with consultations with the Federal Alliance.

"The government was ready to seal agreement with the UDMF and the three point agreement paper was ready by 3 p.m. but the objection from Upendra Yadav halted it," sources said.

Though the meeting decided to go for multi lateral polls, they are awaiting the decision from the Election Commission of Nepal.

"The government also was in consultation with the members of Election Commission on Saturday too and the proposal to hold multi lateral poll was with consensus from the Commission," source added.

The government has proposed to hold the elections in Province number 3, 4 and 6 on May 14 and in 1, 2, 5 and 7 a month after.