Former election commissioners to hold new CA elections

KATHMANDU: With parties closing nearer to form consensus government in the leadership of Chief Justice Khilaraj Regmi, the Maoist government has initiated talks with former election commission officials.

Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai held talks with former chief election commissioner Nilkantha Upreti to discuss issues related to the proposed CA elections.

As per the discussions between political parties, the new CA elections are slated for May 28 but presently the election commission does not have officials to execute its responsibility.

The discussions have been read seriously by analysts claiming that the government might be mulling to hand over the responsibility to hold elections to former election commission officials instead of appointing new one.

Backing this analysis, sources claimed that the Prime Minister said that holding CA elections within short period would be more convenient for experienced officials rather then freshers.

Along with that the PM also asked for the former chief commissioner’s advice to resolve difficulties that might hinder holding the CA elections.

In response, Upreti informed the PM that elections could be possible within the said date if political parties initiated the process immediately by removing all legal and constitutional hurdles.

He has also advised the PM to make appointments at the election commission within this week to ensure elections by May.

Prior to this the PM had held similar talks with another former election commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel. But Pokhre had denied to rejoin the office and take over the responsibility.

Along with Upreti, parties have also reached understanding to provide some responsibilities for holding CA elections to former commissioners Dolakh Bahadur Gurung and Ayodhi Prasad Yadav.