Differences still exist between the seven political parties and the Maoists over holding the Constituent Assembly elections slated for November 22.
Kathmandu, Aug 25 : Differences still exist between the seven political parties and the Maoists over holding the Constituent Assembly elections slated for November 22.
While Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Friday expressed Government's commitment to hold elections as scheduled, Maoist Chairman Prachanda has sought a deferment till mid-April next year.
It is futile to rush through a meaningless election, Prachanda said.
"There is pressure and a call for holding election anyhow. In such an atmosphere, the Constituent Assembly will not resolve the nation's problems," Nepalnews quoted Prachanda, as saying.
Prachanda said that when his party was in a strong position, the polls that were earlier scheduled for mid-June were deferred.
"When there was a wave in favour of our party, the elections were put off under various pretexts. And, when they think that our party has landed in trouble, the very same elements are now saying that the election must be held at any cost," he said.On the other hand, dispelling doubts over the elections, Koirala assured that the polls would be held as scheduled.
"The government is committed and well prepared to carry out the Constituent Assembly election in a free, fair, and timely manner. So, there is no need to raise doubts on the possibility of holding it," Koirala said.
The international community, including India and Europe, have called for the holding of free and fair Constituent Assembly polls as scheduled in November. They have said that the legitimacy of the Nepal Government and the parties would be questioned if the election is deferred again.
Maoists have threatened to launch a nationwide agitation next month if their demands, including declaration of Nepal a republic and removal of Army from the royal palace, are not met before the Constituent Assembly polls.
Meanwhile, the Royal family, including King Gyanendra, has moved out of their Narayanhiti palace after the government decided to nationalise seven royal palaces.
However, sources close to the Royal palace claimed that King Gyanendra has moved to Nagarjun palace for vacation, planned weeks earlier which had nothing to do with the Thursday's Cabinet decision.
ANI