KATHMANDU, April 24: A meeting among the government representatives, office-bearers of the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) and Federal Alliance (FA)'s parties was held today, pitching for participation of those political parties not registered at the ECN for the first phase of local level election on May 14.
The meeting called by the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, at his official residence at Baluwatar deliberated on the ways and means to ease off the legal complexities and other complications concerning the same.
Following the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said that they agreed to extend the time of filing the candidacy until May 1 instead of April 29 that was fixed earlier.
Dr Yadav clarified that there was no possibility of providing the electoral symbols to some parties as per their demands due to the constitutional and legal limitations.
Govt and Federal Alliance discuss easing legal complexity
He further shared that there will be difficultly to print the ballot papers for second phase of election (now proposed for June 14).
According to him, it was against the election code of conduct to postpone the budget announcement on 29 April every fiscal year as stipulated in the new constitution and to hold the election in two phases by considering amendment in the new national charter.
Similarly, Federal Alliance leader Rajendra Shrestha said that the Alliance was going to reach an agreement in paper soon based on the recently forged consensus with the government.
Furthermore, he shared that the Front had called off all agitation as the government pledged to enable conducive environment for the upcoming local level election and registration of the political party and electoral symbols by amending the laws related to the election through ordinance.
Present at the meeting called by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' were the leaders from the Federal Alliance's constituent parties and the office-bearers of the Election Commission of Nepal. RSS
