Kathmandu, June 17
Bhim Acharya, secretary of the CPN-UML, said on Friday that elections will take place even if the United Democratic Madheshi Front boycotts the same.
Constituent Assembly elections did take place even when Mohan Baidhya-led Maosits and other parties boycotted it, he said, adding: This time also, elections will happen even if one or two parties choose to boycott the same.
As per an agreement reached while promulgating the constitution, the Nepali Congress should join the government and go for polls, he said, adding: The KP Sharma Oli-led government will conduct elections even if the Congress does not come onboard.
The Oli-led government will conduct next elections, Bhim Acharya said, adding, however, that they are ready for talks on all issues if consensus is likely.
The Cabinet has prepared the election schedule on the basis of understanding between ruling coalition partners, he said, adding: By presenting it in the Parliament, we can reach a compromise with parties like the Congress.
Acharya said fulfilling the UDMF’s demand — rewriting of the constitution — is impossible. “Instead of sitting on a hunger strike, UDMF leaders should come for talks,” he said, stressing the need to go for elections by resolving problems.
At the programme, Amik Sherchan, leader of the CPN-Maoist Centre, said national consensus is a must for holding elections.
He accused the government of announcing the elections without introducing laws and making other preparations.
Some of the Madhesh’s demands are just, Sherchan said, adding: It will be appropriate to address them.
