The alliance has also warned of fresh protests against the government´s decision. “Today, we had jointly asked the government not to announce election date,” said CPM-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya. “We strongly condemn the decision taken without our consensus.”
Baidya also said that government´s decision is not acceptable to them. “This is simply not acceptable to us. We will sit with other agitating parties and unveil fresh protest programs,” Baidya told Republica. [break]
Asked if his party would participate in the elections, Baidya said the politburo meeting of his party had already decided to boycott and protest against the election.
“Since the election date has been announced now, we will take a formal decision in this regard through the party´s central committee or politburo meeting,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the agitating parties, including the Baidya-led CPN-Maoist and its alliance, Upendra Yadav-led Federal Democratic Forum (FDF) and Ashok Rai-led Federal Socialist Party had announced to jointly launch protest if election date was announced without their consensus.
Meanwhile, major political parties represented in the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) have welcomed the government´s decision.
Talking to Republica, UCPN (Maoist) Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the announcement of election date is a positive development. “Now all political parties need to work together to help the government conduct the polls,” he said.
Shrestha also pointed out the need for bringing all the agitating parties on board the election process through serious negotiations. “The announcement of poll date will help create an environment for polls,” he said.
Likewise, Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat termed poll date announcement a positive development. “All the parties should now gear up for election,” he said. “But it is unfortunate that the threshold provision has been removed. This will invite anomalies.”
CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal said the government decision has paved the way for election. “Now both the government and the High Level Political Committee should hold serious negotiations with the agitating parties to bring them on board the election process,” he said. “The efforts made so far were inadequate.”
Also, the Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Democratic, a constituent party of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), lauded the government decision. “Since election is the only alternative in a democracy, this is a positive move. Agitating parties also must think seriously and take part in the election to help strengthen democratic system in the country,” said MPRF-D Vice Chairman Rameshwor Raya Yadav.
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