He sought support from leaders of UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front, which are represented in the High-Level Political Committee, for taking crucial political decisions.[break]
Regmi sought leaders´ suggestions as political parties are sharply divided over some of the proposed provisions, including the threshold criteria, size of the Constituent Assembly and the ratio of seats to be allocated under the first-past-the-post and proportional representation electoral system.
“He briefed us about the responses he received from various sections of the society over the proposed provisions and sought our suggestions on settling the issues,” CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal told Republica. “We will discuss the matter in our respective parties and at the HLPC meeting to take a decision.”
The leaders told Regmi that they will come up with a conclusion in this connection only after UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is scheduled to leave for India on Sunday, returns home.
NC and CPN-UML are in favor of the threshold provision and want to reduce the total number of CA members (491 from 601) while UCPN (Maoist) and Madhes-based parties are against the threshold criteria and the proposal on downsizing CA. As per the proposed threshold provision, a party must secure at least one percent of the total valid votes cast in the election to secure seat under the proportional quota.
“We couldn´t reach any conclusion as the parties are not for changing their stance without holding discussions within their respective parties,” Chairman of Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party Mahantha Thakur, told Republica.
According to him, NC and UML leaders insisted in favor of the threshold provision while other parties are against it. “We are against the threshold criteria because we shouldn´t stop small political or social groups from being represented in the CA,” said Thakur. “But friends from NC and UML have argued that such groups can be represented from the inclusive quota of political parties.”
Sources said Regmi is for removing this provision if that helps create a broader political consensus for elections.
During the meeting, Regmi urged the leaders to forge a political understanding over the contentious provisions at the earliest.
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