Top three parties, EC agree to hold Province, Federal election in a single go; election likely on Nov 20, Dec 7

KATHMANDU, Aug 17: The top three parties and the Election Commission have agreed to conduct the election of House of Representatives and Province Assembly in a single go. The date is likely to be fixed for November 20 and December 7 this year, sources said.

The election body and the top three parties agreed to conduct elections at a meeting held in Baluwatar on Thursday evening.

“The government will likely announce the date of the election within two days,” said Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav to media persons after the meeting.

CPN (Maoist Center) leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the government would take a decision after holding further discussion on Friday. “Our emphasis is still on a single date, and a decision will be taken following further consultation with the Commission,” he said.

It has been understood that the government is preparing to hold elections in 31 districts of hills and mountains on November 20, while, rest of the elections will be held on either December 7 this year, as printing of the ballot papers in a single go for all districts was not possible.

On the occasion, the EC officer-bearers asked to pass from the meeting of the council of ministers within the next few days if the dates were appropriate and pass the bill on elections within August 21 as well as provide the report of the election constituency determination commission by August 31.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli after the meeting shared that his party will not obstruct in the process of constitution amendment in the parliament. However, he reiterated that UML will fail the bill tabled in the parliament yesterday.