A representatives-level meeting of the HLPC held in the capital at the direction of top leaders of the UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) also appealed to all the political parties in the election fray to engage in friendly competition.[break]
Talking to media persons after the meeting, UML leader Agni Kharel said the meeting was held as per a directive of HLPC coordinator Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar and top leaders of the other political parties. "We have decided to ask the CPN-Maoist and other agitating parties to withdraw their 10-day strike and honor the wish of the people to take part in the voting," said Kharel.
The appeal by the HLPC comes in the wake of an announcement by the CPN-Maoist led alliance of 33 various agitating parties to enforce a 10-day general strike starting Monday, apparently to thwart the CA poll scheduled for November 19. In a written statement issued after the meeting, the HLPC has asked the anti-poll parties to honor the people´s rights to live peacefully and their fundamental right to take part in the CA election.
Kharel of UML, Pralhad Budhathoki of UCPN (Maoist), Dina Upadhyay and Chin Kaji Shrestha of NC and Paramananda Mehta of UDMF participated in the meeting as the top leaders of all the four big parties are currently outside the capital.
While urging the agitating parties not to engage in activities that would disrupt normal business, employment and daily necessities such as health, education and transport, the meeting has asked the Mohan Baidya-led alliance to shun any activities that would disrupt peaceful election rallies and campaigns.
Bearing in mind the electoral violence among cadres of rival parties in the poll fray, the HLPC meeting also asked all political parties concerned and their sister organizations to take part in the election race in a healthy and friendly manner. "The meeting also commits to ensure healthy and friendly competition," the statement said.
The HLPC meeting likewise appealed to all concerned, including the general public, professionals, media and civil society members, to actively participate in the CA election and make it a success.
"The HLPC expresses total satisfaction over the encouraging participation of the political parties in the election fray, the Election Commission and the government to help ensure polling on November 19. The Committee remains confident that this election will provide a constitutional way out while assimilating the sentiments of all the Nepali people," adds the statement.
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