Regmi´s remarks came two days after UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal accused the government of dillydallying in announcing the poll date. While addressing the party´s mass gathering, Dahal also accused the government of conspiring to defer the polls for winter and not sincerely working to hold it in the coming summer.[break]
In a mildly-worded written speech, Regmi claimed that the government is constitutionally bound to hold new elections by mid-December 2013.
"Elections can´t be held without preparations," said Regmi. Stating that various election-related works ranging from distribution of citizenship certificates, updating voters´ registration and making necessary legal arrangements are in the final stages, the government head said that elections can´t be held without accomplishing the procedural and other managerial works. He added that the date should be fixed accordingly. "The bitter experience also indicates the same," Regmi said indicating the previous government´s decision. The government headed by Baburam Bhattarai had twice announced the election dates but failed to hold the elections.
He emphasized the need for the political parties to take initiatives toward ensuring involvement of more and more political parties and public participation in the elections.
In the recent days, the parties have stood divided over the date for CA elections despite that the 11-point political agreement stated that polls shall be conducted by mid-December if not possible in June. While UCPN (Maoist) leaders have been lobbying for holding the elections in summer, leaders from NC and UML have said it should be held in November-December if it is not possible in summer.
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