Chairman Dahal had reached Koirala´s residence at Maharajgunj to hold discussions on creating a conducive environment for the polls. Koirala currently chairs the High Level Political Committee (HLPC), which facilitates the government´s task of holding the polls. [break]
According to Dahal´s personal aide Shiva Khakurel, the meeting mainly focused on the current political situation, preparations to hold fresh elections including setting the election date, and bringing all agitating political parties on board the election process. “Chairman Dahal also briefed Koirala about his recent visits to India and China,” Khakurel said.
Sources said the two leaders have agreed to expedite all preparations related to elections and to hold the poll by mid-December. Dahal informed Koirala that India and China were willing to extend all necessary help for holding polls at the earliest.
On the occasion, Koirala proposed holding a meeting of the HLPC soon and taking necessary initiatives to address concerns raised by the agitating parties, including the alliance led by Mohan Baidya-headed CPN-Maoist and Upendra Yadav-led Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Nepal.
“Declaring the date for elections alone would not ensure elections. We should first persuade all the agitating parties to join the election process,” a source quoted Koirala as saying at the meeting.
This comes in the wake of the government talks team initiating talks with the agitating parties to bring them all on board. The two leaders agreed that efforts by the government alone may not be enough to pursuade those parties.
The HLPC has failed to hold a meeting even two weeks after Koirala assumed chairmanship of the body, due to the absence of Dahal from the country. Koirala is scheduled to call a meeting once he returns from Bhairahawa, where he has gone to inaugurate the general convention of the Nepal Muslim Association slated for Saturday, according to Koirala´s personal aide Laxman Dhakal.
Koirala, who was somewhat indisposed, had started political negotiations after his condition improved. Koirala is also scheduled to talk personally with top leaders of the agitating parties in his capacity as chairman of the HLPC.
Related story
Come with fixed agendas, govt will address your demands: PM Oli...
