KATHMANDU, May 15: The CPN-UML has stressed the need for a smaller-size Constituent Assembly and said that a 601-member CA would not be acceptable under any circumstances.
At a meeting with the chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi on Tuesday, top leaders of the party reminded him that the major four political forces -- UCPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) -- have already agreed to a 491-member CA and raising the eligibility threshold proportional representation seats, among other issues.[break]
"The decision on reducing the number of CA members from 601 to 491 was taken after public criticism over the size and as per international practices," said CPN-UML leader Agni Kharel, adding, "So, we are not ready to reconsider the decision just because some parties backtrack from earlier decision."
The remarks by top UML leaders have come at a time when UCPN (Maoist), United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and some fringe parties are saying that the CA´s size of 601 members should be kept intact and there should not be eligibility threshold for proportional representation seats.
The CPN-UML leaders also stated that their party is firm on the need for eligibility threshold. "Scrapping the proposed provision on eligibility threshold of one percent will not be acceptable to our party," Kharel added.
They argued that reducing the number of seats under proportional electoral system from 58 percent to 50 percent will not only reduce representation not only for any particular groups but for all.
Similarly, CPN-UML leaders urged the chairman of Interim Election Council to form a commission to delineate electoral constituencies in accordance with existing constitutional provisions.
According to Kharel, they also suggested to Regmi to announce date for fresh polls only after settling election-related issues.
Earlier, on Monday, NC top leaders had also suggested to Regmi that eligibility threshold should be maintained and the size of CA should be reduced in view of the public sentiment.
Meanwhile, leaders from 16 fringe parties have expressed their reservations with Regmi over the decision of the four major political forces on reducing the size of the CA, raising eligibility threshold for seats under proportional electoral system and the provision requiring signatures of 10,000 voters for registering a new party at the Election Commission (EC).
At a meeting with Regmi on Tuesday afternoon, leaders of the fringe parties argued that the provision on eligibility threshold will reduce the chances of their representation in the CA. In response, Regmi said that the government will take a decision regarding the concerns, according to Regmi´s press advisor Bimal Gautam.
Amid complaints from various quarters that the government has failed to announce the date for fresh polls, Regmi has expedited parleys with political parties to settle the issues pertaining to election-related ordinance.
On Tuesday evening, Regmi also held a meeting with UDMF leaders at Baluwatar and briefed them about the stance of the CPN-UML and fringe parties.
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