Earlier, the EC had set a July 22 deadline for amending the electoral laws and the interim constitution, saying it needs at least 120 days’ time to make preparations for the November 22 Constituent Assembly (CA) polls declared by the government.[break]
However, political parties have persistently failed to forge consensus on issues surrounding the new elections.
Emerging from the meeting, UCPN Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that he expressed his firm determination at the meeting to forge political consensus for holding elections in the stipulated time.
Dahal also said he sought more time for consensus building, during the meeting.
Talking to journalists, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said an extension of the deadline has no meaning as the earlier deadline set by the EC has expired. He, however, stressed on consensus among the parties for new elections.
Likewise, Nepali Congress Vice-president Ram Chandra Paudel said that the government has once again failed as it declared fresh polls in haste.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Nil Kantha Upreti said that he urged the leaders to announce a new date for elections only after amending the electoral laws.
Related story
NCP’s MCC study panel seeking deadline extension
