KATHMANDU, Nov 11: The major opposition CPN (Maoist Center) has decided to field its own candidates in all constituencies in the upcoming local by-elections scheduled for December 1. Maoist Center Spokesperson and Vice-chairman Agni Sapkota informed Republica that the decision was made during an office-bearers' meeting held at party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's residence in Khumaltar.
However, Sapkota noted that while the party has decided to contest independently in all areas, it may later consider alliances with like-minded opposition parties. “We have decided not to ally with Nepali Congress or CPN-UML, and we are clear on this,” he told Republica. “However, with other parties, we may form alliances with like-minded groups, especially the Socialist Front.”
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He further stated that the meeting also approved the candidates finalized by the provincial committees for the by-elections. The Maoist Center urged all members to unite and work toward securing victory for the party's candidates, he said.
Apart from that, the meeting also decided to hold conferences and warning assemblies at all local levels by mid-December. The warning assembly was held in Kathmandu on October 26, where they criticized the government for not working in the interests of the public. The same rally also announced plans to extend the warning campaign to all municipal levels. Monday’s decision follows that announcement.
The Election Commission has scheduled the by-elections for December 1 to address 44 vacant positions, including two district coordination committee chiefs, two rural municipality chairs, four vice-chairs, one municipality mayor, one deputy mayor, and 34 ward chairs. The Commission has set November 17 as the deadline for candidate registration.
