KATHMANDU: The US Ambassador to Nepal Peter W. Bodde has stressed on the need to hold free and fair Constituent Assembly elections for ensuring sustainable growth of democracy.

Speaking at a program organized at his residence in Kathmandu on Friday to mark the 23tth Independence Day of the United States of America, Bodde said that ” a nation without regular, free and fair elections cannot be considered as democracy”.

on the occasion, the ambassador assure US cooperation to Nepal for CA elections along with continuing support for development initiatives on food, security, maternal and child health and climate change.

High level government officials, including Vice President Paramananda Jha, former Chief of Army Staff Chhatra Man Singh Gurung, Chief Secretary Lila Mani Paudel, representatives from the diplomatic community in Kathmandu, among others were present.

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala has expressed the belief that consensus will be forged on the issue of election soon, as discussion is underway among political parties for the amendment of laws needed for election and for the declaration of date for next CA election.

Koirala made this remark during a meeting with US Ambassador to Nepal, Peter W. Bodde at the former´s residence at Maharajgunj this morning, NC leader Dr. Minendra Rijal, who also participated in the meeting, told media persons.

Koirala said that some parties have expressed their dissatisfaction on the formation of the incumbent government and added that declaration for the date of CA election is delayed as talks is underway to address their demands.

Koirala, also the coordinator of the High-Level Political Committee, said that they will go for election by forging consensus with the dissenting parties soon, said Rijal quoting Koirala.

On the occasion, Ambassador Bodde wished for institutional development of federal democratic republic of Nepal through election.

Bodde said that US will provide assistance as far as possible to hold a free and fair election, said Rijal quoting the US Ambassador.