KATHMANDU, March 13: The four major political forces—UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front—signed an eleven-point agreement on forming an election government under sitting Chief Justice (CJ) Khilraj Regmi on Wednesday.
As per the agreement, the new government will hold fresh Constituent Assembly election on June 21. The election will be held by November if the election cannot be held on the given date. [break]
On government
Regmi will be the chairman of the 11-member election government entrusted with the prime objective of holding CA election on June 21. Regmi will resume his duty as the chief justice after holding elections.
On high-level political committee
A high-level political committee will be formed to assist the government in resolving contentious issues through consensus.
On members of the CA and tenure
The CA will have 491 members with 240 directly elected members, 240 through first-past-the-post electoral system and 11 nominated by the government through consensus.
The CA will also operate as the legislature parliament. The CA will operate till the new constitution is promulgated.
On voter list
All the Nepali citizens over the age of 18 will enjoy voting right.
Cabinet meeting endorses political decision
The cabinet meeting on late Wednesday endorsed the political agreement among the political parties today. The cabinet meeting also forwarded ordinance to remove constitutional hurdles to the president for the endorsement.
Three ministers boycott cabinet meeting
Ministers Yek Nath Dhakal (Cooperatives), Keshav Man Shakya (Science, Technology & Environment) and Yudubansha Jha (Forest and Soil conservation) representing small parties in present Baburam Bhattarai-led government boycotted the cabinet meeting objecting to the agreement between the four big parties.
CJ to take oath tomorrow
The CJ to take oath of office and secrecy tomorrow (Thursday) morning at around 9, Irrigation Minister Mahendra Yadav said.
Leaders hold their hands high after signing the agreement. (Bhaswor Ojha)
Leaders signing agreement. (Bhaswor Ojha)
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