UML-Maoist Center unification announcement likely tomorrow

KATHMANDU, May 16: CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) are likely to announce their unification on Thursday, according to sources.

The two chairs of the parties, K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, have reached a decision to announce their merger during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar on Wednesday, on the occasion of Madan Bhandari Memorial Day, according to high placed sources.

The UML has invited the top leaders of Maoist Center to attend a function being organized on the occasion. The two left parties, if everything goes as planned, will organize a press conference after the program and will likely announce merger, said a high placed Maoist Center source.

Earlier, UML vice-general secretary Bishnu Poudel, who was present during the meeting, had said that the two parties have agreed to announce the date for unification, adding that, the merger would likely be announced before May 21.

The unified Communist party of Nepal, if possible, will also apply for registration at the Election Commission tomorrow.