Prakash Silwal
KATHMANDU, April 17: CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel has clarified that there is no dispute between his party and CPN (Maoist Center)—who are in the process of unification—over the idea of embracing ‘sun’ as the election symbol of the new united party.

“There is no debate regarding the matter of election symbol, following the unification of both left parties,” said Pokhrel.

Presently, sun is the election symbol of UML while the Maoist Center identifies itself with a symbol displaying a hammer and sickle inside a circle.

Leader Pokhrel claimed that there were no significant disputes regarding the unification between two political parties. The issue of election symbol had been already sorted out. His remarks come at a time amid the speculations that leaders of the left parties are at odds over the election symbol, recognition of Maoist War in party’s statute and allocation of power in central committee.

A meeting of the party unification committee formed to facilitate the unification process earlier today decided to give the responsibility of finalizing the pressing issues regarding the merger to chairs of both political parties- KP Sharma, UML and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Maoist Center.

“Chairs of both political parties will further work to give a final touch to some outstanding issues and the next meeting of the coordination committee will decide them,” he added.

Though a joint task force of both political parties in the third week of March submitted reports to the coordination committee, proposing for taking the unification process to a conclusion on coming April 22 and received a positive response as well, discussions over the proposal was delayed due to Prime Minister and UML chair Oli’s recent India visit.

The coordination committee meeting on April 5 decided to make necessary arrangements for a merger between two parties, taking the task force proposal positively.

Following the today’s coordination committee meeting, both chairs have started talks at Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar.

According to Maoist Center leader Narayankaji Shrestha, it seemed that preparations would not be enough to unite the parties on April 22 when leader Pokhrel’s view was that it could not be said now that the announcement of unification would not take place on that date.

Leader Pokhrel refuted the demand for a 50 percent share by the Maoist Center in the central committee after unification, adding that roles and responsibilities would be given on the basis of individual’s competency, skills, background and necessity.

The UML has summoned a politburo meeting on coming April 19 and a central committee meeting for April 20 to discuss the unification issues.

GOVERNMENT FORMATION AND PARTY UNIFICATION SIMULTANEOUSLY

KATHMANDU, Dec 15: CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel on Friday said that the process of government formation and party unification with CPN (Maoist Center) will move ahead simultaneously.

The electoral alliance between the two parties worked well in the recently completed federal parliament and province assembly election as the left alliance successfully garnered two-third majority under the first-past-the-post election, with UML winning 80 and Maoist Center winning 36 seats. Now, it can be expected that the two left forces will intensify party unification process and start homework to form a new government under the leadership of left alliance.

“Since the alliance has worked well in election, no problems will occur in unification process and power sharing,” added Pokhrel while talking to Rishi Dhamala at the Party Central Office in Dhumbarai.

“We have started unification talks. A conclusion will be produced very soon.” he furthered adding that he was hopeful that the unification process will end positively.

“The party unification coordination committee is carrying out necessary homework.”

“Both the parties have similar dreams and resolution and political philosophy. We unveiled a joint manifesto—which are the strong bases for the parties to move ahead in unification’s path.”

“A joint draft is being prepared. It will be finalized within two or three days. An open-minded discussion will take place to restructure the party’s entire organization.”

“It is people who want UML and Maoist Center get united. It will be materialized soon.”

He was also quick to claim that KP Oli, UML Chair, should become both the prime minister and party chairperson. “Oli should take charge of the would-be formed government and the party.”

“Even Maoist Center Chair Prachanda has backed Oli for the PM post. Oli’s role, and election results make it clear and understood agenda,” he added.

He however said that it was his personal thought rather than any official decision. “In my opinion party chairperson, parliamentary party leader and prime minister should be the same person. Otherwise, it will create multiple centers in the party,” he clarified.

He also backed for the introduction of multiple transferable votes for the formation of National Assembly.

The law making process to elect the National Assembly has remained stagnant due to the dispute among the parties whether to introduce the single transferable votes or multiple transferable votes for the formation of National Assembly.

UML has insisted on majority voting system as it has won majority seats in both province assemblies and local election.

On the other hand, Nepali Congress has put its stance on single transferable votes so that it can help NC secure some members in the upper House. The ordinance on election of National Assembly is currently pending at the Office of President.

“All the political parties should find consensus and make appropriate decision on such political issue,” he said.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, during a meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Thursday has also sought political consensus among the parties over the provisions of election the National Assembly.

Meanwhile the Election Commission is also waiting for the bill related to National Assembly in order to announce the candidates elected for the federal parliament under the Proportional Representation system.

Pokhrel also asked for Deuba’s resignation as immediately as possible so that he could pave way for the formation of new government. He said, “Once the people’s mandate come into another party’s favor, the prime minister should resign and pave way for a new government. It is an international practice.”

“But Deuba seem to be attempting to elongate his term as PM,” he added.

UML has demanded immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba so that it–largest party of the recently concluded federal election—could start process for the formation of a new government under the leadership of left alliance.

But Deuba is intending to hand over the power only after the election of National Assembly.

KATHMANDU, Nov 13: CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel has said that communists had played leading role in constitution writing and its promulgation.

Speaking at an election gathering organized by CPN-UML Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward no 4 here on Monday, General Secretary Pokhrel expressed the view that the Communists had significant role in different political changes in the country as well as making the people empowered.

Pokharel, who is contesting for membership of the House of Representatives from Kathmandu constituency no 5, said that he is always committed for overall development including infrastructure development of the area.

He said, “I will always support every development activities.” RSS