November 26 election might be deferred: Law Minister Thapa

KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Yagya Bahadur Thapa has said that said that there are chances that the date of the first stage of the upcoming elections of House of Representatives and Province Assembly might be deferred to December 7.

The government is conducting both elections simultaneously on November 26 and December 7. But with the new political developments, the government is likely to postpone the November 26 election for a few days.

Speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday, Minister Thapa said that the government is doing necessary homework to hold both elections on the later date (December 7). He added, “But the election will not be deferred later than December 7 no matter what.”

Three leftist parties CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center) and Naya Shakti Nepal announced to from electoral alliance and unity process last week. A day later, in order to counterbalance the new political development, the ruling party Nepali Congress initiated a democratic alliance to from a pre-poll alliance. Even though five parties agreed to join hands with the NC-led alliance, allotment of constituencies as each party is claiming stake doing hard bargain is hindering the negotiation process.

UML and Maoist Center have agreed to share seats in 60-40 ratio in the upcoming elections towards direct system.

On the occasion, Minister Thapa also urged the opposition parties to cooperate the government. He added, “NC has not shaken due to the unity among the left parties. Left unity homework is unnatural. They have expressed doubt towards the government’s determination toward conducting the election on the announced date. But, the elections will be held in time.”