Kathmandu, December 25
Leaders of the Nepali Congress, part of the government formed under the leadership of CPN-Maoist Centre, have asked the government to announce the date for local elections by putting the Constitution Amendment Bill on hold. Sunday’s meeting of Congress office-bearers made suggestions to this effect.
The meeting concluded that the government should hold elections for local levels or local bodies within the month of Chaitra (mid-April, tentatively).
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Congress General Secretary Shashank Koirala said most of the office-bearers suggested declaring the date for elections even by putting the Constitution Amendment Bill on hold. It would be better to put the Bill on hold as both Constitution amendment and elections are impossible without an understanding with the CPN-UML, he said.
According to a source, Congress leaders stood in favour of holding local elections on the basis of old structures. At the meeting, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba said: Madheshi Morcha will not take part in elections without Constitution amendment. The UML has stood firm on its stance and caused a standoff.
Congress stance
- The government should hold elections for local bodies or local levels within Chaitra
- It will be better to put Constitution amendment on hold and go for elections as amendment is impossible without UML cooperation
- Without Constitution amendment, Madheshi Morcha will not take part in elections. On the other hand, UML remains firm on its stance. This has compounded the crisis
