Maoists propose new federal units for Nepal in manifesto

The UCPN-Maoist today released its manifesto for Nepal's upcoming Constituent Assembly polls, pledging it would create 11 federal units based on ethnicity if it comes to power.
Party Chairman Prachanda also unveiled a "commitment letter" with a proposal to have a directly elected President with executive powers as head of the state under the new constitution.
The party proposed a federal system based on ethnic identity to ensure the rights of all communities.
The party said it wants 11 federal units and underlined the need to hold referendum on issues of national importance when the new constitution comes into affect after the November 19 polls.

It further proposed the formation of separate constitutional commissions for the welfare of Dalit, Muslim, Janajati and indigenous people.
Prachanda said the commitment paper was prepared to institutionalise the achievements of the decade long "people's war".

The party proposed that a Prime Minister should be elected from within parliament to run day-to-day affairs of the government.
It vowed to uplift Nepal's economic status and end poverty within 15 years by ensuring employment.
Baburam Bhattarai, former Prime Minister and coordinator of the party's manifesto drafting committee, asked people to give a clear majority to the UCPN-Maoist. He said hydropower, agriculture and tourism will be the main basis for economic development of Nepal.