'Fresh elections only way out of existing political deadlock'

KATHMANDU, Oct 29: Leaders have shared same views on fresh elections to unknot the country´s present political deadlock but they have yet to float a concrete and compromising work plan in which all can rely on.



The leaders of major political parties opined same views at the tea reception organized by the Nepali Congress at its Central Office, Sanepa, on Monday but the leaders stressed on their own agendas, processes and procedures for elections.[break]



On Monday too, the leaders were divided over reinstating the dissolved constituent assembly (CA) before holding fresh elections or announcing the fresh elections sans reviving the CA.



Talking to mediapersons, CPN (UML) Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said that the tea party has given a message to unite to the opponents and pro-democratic forces.



Khanal also reiterated for the formation of the national consensus government and holding the fresh elections.



He claimed, "Consensus will be forged as early as possible if the government was ready for this. Otherwise, street protests would end deadlock."



However, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Prachanda said that he was hopeful of consensus as the parties´ leaders were holding serious parleys to forge the consensus.



He said, "Finally, the bases for consensus are elections and promulgation of constitution. The government also announced the date for fresh elections as the UCPN (Maoist) is also ready for elections."





Likewise, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala ruled out the possibility of the CA reinstatement and added that the central committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday would discuss the same issue.



Koirala said that the Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Prachanda should take responsibility to create environment conducive to end the political deadlock.



However, senior leader of NC Sher Bahadur Deuba said that reinstating the CA was a better option as the legislature-parliament was required even to amend the constitution to announce the date for elections.



Likewise, UML Vice-chairman Bamdev Gautam said that political consensus was possible only through the removal of the Bhattarai-led government.



Also speaking at the same programme, chairman of CPN-Maoist Mohan Baidhya said that national unity government should be formed by toppling the present government for forging consensus.

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