Midnight 6-point agreement brings Updendra on board CA election

KATHMANDU: The Upendra Yadav- led Federal Republic Madeshi Front has conceded to take part in the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections following a six-point agreement with the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) on Thursday night.

Among others, the agreement includes understanding to expand the existing structure of the HLPM, requesting the Election Commission for extending the deadline of registering the electoral roll by two weeks and keeping the 42:58 ratio of direct and proportional representation in the CA as it is.

The understanding states that the new CA will have 585 lawmakers, of which 240 will be directly-elected through elections, 335 lawmakers through proportional representation, and 10 lawmakers will be recommended by the cabinet.

Along with that both sides also agreed for maintaining the present seat numbers and limitations on direct-elected lawmakers.

Besides that understanding to resolve all differences on the fundamental principles of the new constitution through discussion with all political parties.

The six point agreement:

1. CA election will be held on November 19.

2. Total CA members will be 585 of which 240 will be directly elected, 335 through proportional representation, and 10 will be recommended by the cabinet.

3. Election Commission will be requested to provide 2 weeks extension for updating electoral roll.

4. Task for garnering consensus on outstanding fundamental principles of the new constitution to be expedited.

5. To extend the present membership of the HLPM for incorporating Morcha and other major political parties willing to participate in the CA elections.

6. HLPM should remain committed to hold free and fair CA elections.