Bhojraj Pokharel as Chief Election Commissioner successfully conducted the first Constituent Assembly elections in 2008. The now retired civil servant has since closely studied other transitional countries and their electoral systems. He has at times even acted as an interlocutor in the (still ongoing) negotiations over the new constitution in Nepal. Are timely elections still possible? What can Nepal learn from other transitional countries? And what, in his view, are the dangers of putting off important decisions? Biswas Baral and Mahabir Paudyal caught up with him.

With the unified Rastriya Prajantra Party deciding not to support constitution amendment bill registered in the parliament on November 29th, the fate of the amendment motion hangs in balance. As the second largest party in parliament, CPN-UML, is vehemently opposed to the proposed amendments, the support of unified RPP is vital for the bill to have any chance of passing with two-thirds majority. So how does it feel to play the kingmaker? And what can we expect from the united party? Biswas Baral and Mahabir Paudyal met RPP Executive Chairman and former Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa for some insight.

Sinead O' Reilly-Henell is the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kathmandu which recently bagged the 'World Travel Awards 2016' as a leading hotel in Nepal. As Nepal's hospitality and tourism industry recovers from the 2015 earthquakes and subsequent political unrest, Sagar Ghimire of Republica talked with the seasoned hotelier about her experience of working in Nepal, the pace of recovery of hotel and the industry after the 2015 earthquakes, and the hotel's preparation in the competitive environment, among others. Excerpts:

As we went to press, the ruling coalition had reportedly reached an understanding with the protesting Madheshi parties on the proposed amendments of the new constitution. How did this become possible? What are the points of agreements? And what happens now? Republica team of Biswas Baral and Mahabir Paudyal talked to former finance minister Barsha Man Pun, the Maoist leader who has been a key interlocutor in current negotiations on constitution amendment.

Jun Young Cha, chairman of The Segye Times, a South Korean national daily, is in Nepal on a visit. Jun, who has a master's degree in digital media communications, talked to Republica about the changing media landscape in South Korea. Excerpt of the interview:

Dr Dee (Dianne) Aker who has been a part of the peace building process in Nepal for the past 15 years, was recently in Kathmandu. Akhilesh Tripathi and Krishna Dhungana of Republica Online caught up with Dr Dee for an interview. Excerpts:

I would not say there is anti-India sentiment among the people. But this sentiment is certainly prevalent in certain sections of the society and in some geographical areas, mainly around the capital city.

While the government has upped diplomatic initiative with the Indian government to provide exchange service for Nepalis holding demonetized Indian currency, there has not been any progress in this direction so far. Sagar Ghimire of Republica talked to Minister for Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara on Tuesday to know what the government is doing to resolve the issue. Excerpts:

The National Planning Commission (NPC) is the apex advisory body of the government for formulating a national vision, periodic plans and policies for development. It serves as a central agency for monitoring and evaluating development plans, policies and programs. Despite the NPC taking a lead role in the formulation of planning as well as monitoring of development projects, the implementation aspect has remained weak as reflected in the failure to boost capital expenditure. Sagar Ghimire and Laxman Biyogi of Republica talked with Min Bahadur Shrestha, the vice chairman of the NPC, on the problems in project planning and implementation as well as the government plan to bring supplementary budget. Excerpts:

KATHMANDU, Nov 8: As his participation in a function in Goa, India, which was reportedly attended by a Tibetan leader also, causes controversy, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba said he is well aware of the sensitivities of northern neighbor China and that he and his party were committed to the One-China policy. He answered a few questions by email.