Major Nepali and English newspapers published from Kathmandu on Sunday have highlighted political issues over the agendas from other sectors. Major political parties are yet to find a meeting point on the formation of National Assembly and it has been delaying the government formation process. On the other hand, preparations for the proposed unification between UML and Maoist Centre seem quite slow and it has also been highlighted in the front page of many newspapers today.
Important
Results of House of Representatives PR polls likely in few days
Though parties are yet to find an agreeable solution to their differences on which system to adopt for the elections of National Assembly, the Election Commission has begun preparations to announce details of proportional representation seat allocation for parties in House of Representatives, reports Republica.
The Commission has already made public PR results for provincial assemblies on Friday.
Earlier, the Commission had been denying making the results public saying the National Assembly elections should be held for the announcement so as to meet the requirement of 33 per cent women in both the houses. However, now, the Commission has begun preparations hoping it will help the parties begin procedures to form the new government, the report adds.
The Commission’s spokesperson Nawaraj Dhakal has told the paper that officials have been mobilised to verify results from each district and it will take two to three days to announce the results.
Meanwhile, parties are still holding discussions on multiple options to solve the dispute, according to The Kathmandu Post. In particular, the parties are mulling over three options—publishing PR results without naming lawmakers, ensuring Nepali Congress’ presence in Upper House even with the majority system, and withdrawing the National Assembly ordinance but sending it later again without any change as a face-saver for both sides.
Leadership row delays UML-Maoist merger
The CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre, which have said they will announce the merger soon, had called a meeting of the Unification Coordination Committee for Saturday, but it could not take place, reports Gorkhapatra. The story informs that Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal could not come to Kathmandu after bad weather obstructed his scheduled flight from Bhairahawa.
Meanwhile, Rajdhani claims multiple differences between the parties about the next leadership model are delaying the merger. Though Oli and Dahal seem flexible about the unification, some second-rung leaders have been producing contrasting views about the unification. The third-rung leaders on the other hand seem cooperative for the unification, the report claims.
Another report of Gorkhapatra, however, says Maoist Centre’s Dahal has said the unification will take place despite the objection of a handful of leaders.
Ignored
Probe suspects Sumargi’s involvement in money laundering
An investigation carried out by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation and the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has suspected that Ajeya Raj Sumargi, a renowned businessman of the country, is bringing in a huge investment illegally, reports Kantipur in its lead story for the day. The preliminary probe has found that the amount he already brought and is bringing soon through illegal channels is as much as Rs 22 billion.
Meanwhile, the report claims that the Department is dilly-dallying the investigation with various excuses.
Appointment of provincial police chiefs under question
Rajdhani lead story claims the appointment of provincial police chiefs made by Nepal Police is against the law as existing Police Act does not have any such provision. The report says the government should have either amended the law or made the new law to replace the new one before making the appointments.
It has already been seven months since the Nepal Police Headquarters sent seven AIGs as provincial police chiefs. But, the government is yet to come with a concrete step to legalise the appointment, according to the report.
Nepali cement factories suffer clinker crisis
Owing to an obstruction from Indian railway officials, Nepali cement factories are facing a hard time to fetch raw materials for their industry including clinkers, reports Abhiyan.
The officials have been obstructing the loading of clinkers since Saturday and they have warned of continue it indefinitely, according to Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice-President Anil Agrawal.
Interesting
Nepal hydropower needs Rs 800 billion in next 10 years
A government study shows Nepal needs as much as Rs 800 billion to develop hydropower sector in next 10 years. The study held under the leadership of National Planning Vice-Chairman Swarnim Wagle finds that around 180 hydropower projects will be constructed across the country in next 10 years and Nepal will produce 11,396 megawatt electricity in total, according to the lead story in Karobar.
