Regmi calls for broader commitment to Nov 19 elections

(Updated)

KATHMANDU, June 14: Chairman of Interim Election Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi on Friday requested all stakeholders for their active participation and cooperation for a free and fair election to new Constituent Assembly.



In his address to the nation live telecast from the National Development Council hall in Singha Durbar that started at 5 pm, Regmi called for commitment from all quarters to CA elections now when the election date is already fixed, electoral laws are in place and voters list update has reached at its final stage. [break]



Regmi´s address to the nation, his first after the chief justice assumed the role of executive head in early March, comes a day after his cabinet fixed a November 19 date for new CA elections. President Dr Ram Baran Yadav has already signed the government-forwarded election ordinance into law, clearing legal hurdles for the upcoming elections.



In his address, Regmi also called on all agitating political parties, including the Mohan-Baidya led CPN-Maoist, to immediately join talks with the government and resolve their differences through dialogue. The dissident parties, which have formed a joint alliance named Federal Democratic Alliance (FDA), soon after the announcement of the date of new elections had said they would intensify their protest.



Stating that he is fully aware and respectful of the principle of separation of powers, Regmi said he never wished to see the country without legislature and that he is currently only involved in his executive role. He added the current government was formed under exceptional circumstances.



He further said he switched his role as chief justice to executive head not out of any personal ambition but because of being imbued with a sense of national responsibility. Saying that the previous CA could not deliver a new constitution due to political differences, Regmi said now is time for all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, the media and legal practitioners, to be committed to ensure the success of new CA election and exploit this second historic opportunity.

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