Nepal Timeline - 2013

January 2

CPN-UML and NC rejected PM Baburam Bhattarais' proposal to seek a common PM candidate belonging to parties other than NC and UCPN-M or an independent candidate.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal assured that the political parties would find a consensus candidate before the expiry of the five-day deadline issued by President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav.

NC's Rukum unit staged demonstration for the second consecutive day demanding punishment to the guilty involved in the murder of NC Duli village unit president Kabiram Khartri.

Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Special Committee for Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of the Maoist Combatants Balananda Sharma said that very few ex-Maoist combatants want to quit the NA training meant for integration.

The UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda suggested to President Ram Baran Yadav to pick an independent civil society leader with a political background as the new PM.

NC rejected the proposal calling it yet another ploy to prolong the stay in power and defer fresh CA polls now scheduled by mid-May.

The Government issued new identity cards to former PLA combatants, who were earlier disqualified by UNMIN during army the integration process.

Political parties failed to agree on a common PM candidate for the consensus government to hold fresh CA polls as the deadline expired.

The SC issued a show-cause notice to the President, Ram Baran Yadav, for invoking Article 38 (1) of the Interim Constitution towards forming a National Consensus Government.

Armed group of about 10 persons belonging to CPN-Maoist - Baidya vandalized the corporate office of NDEX at Tinkune (Kathmandu District). According to NDEX, the group had been demanding the derivative and commodity exchange market to pay hefty amount as donation.

CPN-Maoist chairman Mohan Baidya said that his party does not have the policy of forceful donation collection. He said, "We, however, welcome voluntary donations."

After a meeting with various political parties, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav extended the deadline to form a consensus Government for the eighth time.

NC leader Sujata Koirala said that NC is ready to withdraw party President Sushil Koirala's name from the race of premiership. She further said, "Koirala was not interested to become prime minister but the party decided to file his candidacy for the same after CPN-UML mounted pressure on the NC.

Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the Government is ready to make necessary amendments to the provisions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) ordinance - currently pending at the Office of the President - for setting up transitional justice mechanisms.

The seventh general convention of the Mohan Baidya led Communist Party of Nepal- Baidya (CPN-Maoist-Baidya) starts in Kathmandu. Around 2,000 leaders, activists and representatives from across the country and abroad will participate in the convention that will hold deliberations on the political report to be presented by Chairman Mohan Baidya. Representatives from migrant state committees (India), international state committees (Europe) including communist leaders from Canada, the Philippines and Democratic Republic of Korea are taking part in the convention and closed session.

In its first General Convention (GC) since its split from the ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (UCPN-M), the CPN-Maoist-Baidya leadership faces pressure from its cadres to revive war-era structures, including the military, to accomplish 'outstanding tasks of the revolution.'

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said that there is no alternative to Constituent Assembly (CA) elections to bail the country out from grave political and constitutional crisis. He said that the country is passing through a critical juncture due to the dissolution of CA which had a great cascading effect in the country. He further said that the formation of the national unity Government through package deal is the only option to give a way out to the current political and constitutional hassles.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya has claimed that as many as 3,500 cadres of the UCPN-M from across the country have joined it. CPN-Maoist-Baidya general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa welcomed some of them at a programme organised at the party's central office on January 8. Some of the new entrants are District-level leaders of the UCPN-M.

The ongoing 7th General Convention of the CPN-Maoist-Baidya in Kathmandu formed 21 groups to discuss the party´s political document and its statute. The 21 groups will hold deliberations on the political dossier presented by party Chairman Mohan Baidha within themselves, and present the major highlights synchronizing all group discussions in the next session.

President Ram Baran Yadav has given political parties five more days until January 14 to form a Government of national unity. This comes as NC, CPN-UML, UCPN-M and Madhesi Morcha leaders met the Head of the State urging him to extend the deadline for the formation of a Government of national consensus.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, chairman of the UCPN-M proposed reviving CA if the political parties fail to reach consensus to form a unity Government by January 14.

A political document endorsed by the ruling UCPN-M general convention organizing committee has proposed forming a national army by developing People´s Liberation Army (PLA) as a professional army and democratizing Nepal Army.

Chairman of the Unified UCPN-M, Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, in a political document has proposed reviving parallel Government at the local level. The Government will comprise former members of PLA, Young Communist League (YCL) and sister wings.

Expressing solidarity with the ongoing protest launched by civil society, the NC and CPN-UML decided to launch protest against the Baburam Bhattarai-led Government. CPN-UML Vice Chairman Bamdev Gautam said, "Baburam Bhattarai Government has created state terror. Since he is acting against country and its people, we have decided to bring people across the country onto the streets against the current Government". NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula also told "The way the prime minister has acted in recent days is unconstitutional. He appears to be inciting the problems instead of resolving them."

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the Government was in favour of formation of TRC to investigate the cases of human rights violations recorded during the conflict. He said, “Government is committed to punishing the guilty and ensuring justice to the victims.”

President Ram Baran Yadav has summoned leaders from 19 political parties to attend a meeting called at his office with a view to seek their suggestions on ending the political deadlock. The President has called a meeting yet again as the political parties have failed to come up with a consensus prime ministerial candidate to head the election Government even as the ninth deadline issued by him expired on January 14 without any progress being made.

Nine parties in opposition, including the NC and CPN-UML, made public their 21-day protest programmes beginning from January 19. The opposition parties blamed the Government for repeatedly violating law of the land, misusing state coffers, abusing power and blocking the process to form consensus Government. They said they would continue holding talks with the ruling alliance on the sidelines of their protests in a bid to form a consensus Government.

Mohan Baidya led CPN-Maoist-Baidya general convention concluded in Kathmandu retaining the existing leadership of the party. As per the decision passed by the general convention, Mohan Baidya will continue as chairman of the party while CP Gajurel and Ram Bahadur Thapa have been retained as vice chairman and general secretary. Likewise, Dev Gurung and Netra Bikram Chand will continue as secretaries. The party will have a 51-member CC.

Mohan Baidya led CPN-Maoist-Baidya warned that the party will take up arms if the state power cannot assure the rights of the people. He said "We will launch the people’s revolt or people´s war as and when circumstances compel us because no one takes up arms just on the basis of the whim or interests of certain leaders. Arms will be taken up by any other force also when the situation so demands, even if we ourselves drop the idea."

Leaders of CPN-Maoist-Baidya said that they will not participate in anti-Government protests organized by NC and CPN-UML.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai claimed that the opposition parties are raising the cases of the decade long Maoist insurgency to overturn the peace process. He said, “We must understand the acts of not letting the TRC and CID to be formed on the one hand and on the other hand raising the conflict era’s cases.”

UDMF said they would discuss the FDRA proposal to hold mass rallies in different parts of the country and form lower level chapters of the alliance at its next meeting slated for January 22. Vice-chair of Tarai Madhesi Democratic Party, Brikhesh Chandra Lal said his party would take the final decision on the alliance’s proposal at its next meeting. According to Lal, front leaders were of the view that implementation of the four-point agreement and inclusion of Madhesis in Nepal Police and Nepali Army were a must for state restructuring.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda held a joint meeting with ambassadors of major foreign diplomatic missions including that of the USA, the European Union and representatives of donor agencies on the concerns over Nepal's failure to start transitional justice process. PM Bhattarai and Dahal tried to convince the diplomats that the Government and the Maoist party were 'committed' to establish the TRC to deal with conflict-era human rights abuses. However, the representatives of the foreign missions highlighted Nepal's failure to provide justice to the victims of conflict and emphasized that the Government and the political forces must be ready to establish the TRC at the earliest.

Gauri Pradhan, Spokesperson of the NHRC, warned if Nepal failed to give justice to the conflict-era victims through the TRC and CID, international jurisdiction on human rights would become active and take its own course. He added, “At that time, more and more perpetrators could be arrested in foreign countries like the arrest of Nepali Army’s serving Colonel Kumar Lama in the United Kingdom on January 3”. He further said “The best answer to stop such arrest and trial in foreign lands is to address all cases of conflict-era rights violation through forming a credible TRC and CID.”

Nine opposition parties, including CPN-UML and NC organized a protest assembly against the murder of journalist Dekendra Thapa some eight years ago during the Maoist insurgency.

NC decided to intensify its anti-Government protests in a meeting of the opposition party’s Central Working Committee meeting. During the meeting, the NC leaders also expressed strong objection to the recent threats issued by UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda that all past understandings and agreements between the Maoist party and the “democratic parties” can be scrapped if the latter organizes anti-Government protests.

UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said that his party is ready to either reinstate the CA or to go for fresh elections. He also accused NC and the CPN-UML leaders and the erstwhile CA Chairman Subas Nembang of stopping other parties from putting the disputed issues to vote in the full CA.

UCPN-M coordinator Ganga Karki warned of retaliation against the ongoing protests by journalists and human rights activists seeking justice in the journalist Dekendra Thapa murder case, saying that the agitation was backed by the NC and the CPN-UML parties.

CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said the country cannot bear yet another rebellion or conflict. If the UCPN-M presses ahead with yet another rebellion, the party will head towards self-destruction, said Khanal. The Maoist party needs to stop threatening other political parties and engage in serious dialogue to resolve the political crisis, he added.

UCPN-M leader Haribol Gajurel said all conflict-era cases should be tried by the TRC. He urged the opposition parties not to take political mileage and target the Maoist party, as the Government has started mulling necessary changes process regarding the same.

Leaders of the ruling UCPN-M have called on all political parties to reach a deal on holding fresh CA elections by the end of May. "We are ready to make any sacrifice necessary to conduct elections by May," said Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. He accused NC of being bent on toppling the Government at any cost. UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda also said a deal should be reached to hold elections by end of May.

Nine opposition parties have announced 10-day protest programmes in Biratnagar in Moran District against Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai starting from January 25. The opposition parties declared protest programme to topple the Bhattarai-led Government through street protests as he has been refusing to put in his papers. They have even formed the Protest Coordination Committee comprising District chiefs of all the nine parties.

UDMF, a key ally of the Baburam Bhattarai Government, said that the implementation of the four-point agreement - rectification of budget, seeking alternative option to State Restructuring Commission, resolve debate over national dress, and lastly democratization of Nepal Army - which was signed between UDMF and UCPN-M on September 25, 2011, has not been satisfactory and that they should now mount pressure on both the ruling UCPN-M and opposition parties to forge consensus.

At least 60 persons were injured in sporadic clashes that erupted as opposition parties tried to stop UCPN-M leaders, including Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, from entering Dailekh District.

UDMF, a major partner of the ruling coalition has ruled out the possibility of forming an alliance with the UCPN-M for CA polls while stating that a national consensus Government-led by opposition parties will also not be acceptable to them.

Various opposition parties and their student unions staged demonstrations against the Government in a number of Districts across the country. The NSU and the ANNFSU jointly took out a rally in Dhadingbesi of Dhading District, demanding resignation of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.

President Ram Baran Yadav has once again resumed consultations with chiefs of major political parties on ways to end the protracted political deadlock. Yadav met NC President Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal at the president´s office.

UDMF, an alliance of five Madhesi parties, has formed a five-member taskforce to chalk out a program for people´s mobilization in Districts across the Tarai Region. Top-brass of Madhes-based political parties said that a taskforce comprising Senior Vice-chairman of Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Democratic (MPRF-D) Rameshwor Raya Yadav, Vice-chairman of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Brikhesh Chandra Lal, MPRF-Republican leader BP Yadav, TMDP-Nepal Vice-chairman Braj Kishor Singh and Sadbhawana Party General Secretary Manish Kumar Singh is entrusted with formulating the program.

Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said election to the CA could be held in the third week of May if the political parties forged a consensus on time.

Anti-Government protesters hurled stones at a vehicle in which Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was travelling at Dhangadhi in Kailali District. Bhattarai was on his way to inaugurate the party's District convention. Bhattarai was unhurt in the incident. Protesters staged demonstrations from early morning in major thoroughfares in Dhangadhi to disrupt the PM's visit. They burnt tyres and shouted anti-Government slogans, demanding Bhattarai's immediate resignation.

Leaders of opposition parties claimed that the incumbent Government has turned into the most corrupt one in the history of Nepal. NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat blaming the incumbent Government of embezzling money from state coffers, claimed that UCPN-M has transformed corruption into a respectable act. Similarly, leader of CPN-UML Raghubir Mahaseth blamed the UCPN-M leaders of benefitting by collapsing the nation's economy. "Maoist has continued donation threat in the name of its General Convention. Business entrepreneurs are hit hard by the donation threats," said Mahaseth.

UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda while inaugurating the fourth District conference of the party in Dhangadhi Dhangadhi in Kailali District said that his party needs new strategy and idea for the upcoming general convention.

Ganesh Man Pun, coordinator of the Volunteer Mobilization Committee, who is also the chief of YCL, the youth wing of the UCPN-M, said that in order to counter the show of strengthen by the opposition parties on January 30 at Kathmandu, the ruling alliance - FDR - has decided to mobilize 5,000 youths at the same venue the very next day on January 31.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda said that reactionary forces have been bent on 'finishing' off the party, but have not succeeded in doing so. Dahal said it was a huge mistake on the part of Maoist leaders to split the party into two. "The reactionary forces tried to annihilate the party by killing its leaders during the conflict. Similarly, during the CA Elections, they tried to cut the party to size. But they never succeeded," said Dahal. Dahal said that his party was ready to accept any one as Prime Minister of a Government of national unity, if political parties forge a package deal to resolve the political crisis.

NC Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel said the party opted to launch street protest to pressurize UCPN-M to strike deal on thorny issues. Poudel said the party opted protest as Prachanda ignored to implement the signed agreements. He accused Dahal of betraying his party by changing his words even after signing agreement to let the NC lead the Government to hold the election. He also claimed that history has proved that NC is the only party that is pure and can conduct election without any wrongdoing.

Leaders from the alliance of opposition parties led by NC and CPN-UML have said they have completed all the preparatory works for anti-Government demonstrations. Members from all the agitating nine political parties will gather at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu before initiating a march from the same place. The demonstrators will subsequently converge into mass gathering at Sahid Gate [Martrys Gate] where some key leaders including CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bamdev Gautam and NC General Secretary Prakash Man will address the gathering. The opposition parties have planned to conclude their 20-day-long protests on February 8.

Mohan Baidya's CPN-Maoist-Baidya, at the central committee meeting, planned to revive the insurgency-era organizational structure in the party. The leaders discussed to change the existing bureau system into command system. Under the system, power will be centralized in the commands, which will be headed by top leaders. Under the bureau system, the state committees are more powerful than the bureaus. There are 14 state committees, including geographical and non-geographical state committees. Once command system is implemented the bureaus will be dissolved but state committees will be retained.

At least 12 persons were injured in Banepa of Kavre District after clashes between anti-Government protesters and cadres of YCL, the youth wing of the UCPN-M, went out of hand. The clashes ensued after YCL cadres allegedly threw stones at cadres of the NC and the CPN-UML who had gathered for a protest rally. YCL cadres wielding iron rods, batons and stones attacked the NC and CPN-UML cadres holding black flags for the rally.

Nine opposition parties including NC and CPN-UML demonstrated in the heart of Kathmandu demanding that the Baburam Bhattarai-led Government step down. Holding their flags, hundreds of cadres of NC, CPN-UML and other fringe parties and supporters chanted slogans against the Government and urged it to step down to clear the way for fresh CA polls. Second rung leaders of opposition parties addressed the protest rally as they are planning for bigger protest meeting on February 8 in Kathmandu to be addressed by top opposition leaders.

UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda addressing the inaugural function of the UCPN-M's Lalitpur District Convention claimed that fresh polls will take place by the end of May at any cost. He said, "Nobody can prevent the country from going to election by then even if the NC and CPN-UML are not ready for it, claiming that the UCPN-M represents 95 percent of the country's population as far as the political agendas are concerned." Speaking at the same function, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai accused the main opposition parties of not willing to face election. "The NC and CPN-UML ruled the country for 20 years. They are restless for having to stay out of power," he said.

The ruling FDRA organized a mass meeting at Khula Manch in Kathmandu City in a show of strength. Senior leaders of all 21 allies in the FDRA were present in the mass meeting including UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. The speakers at the mass meeting, which was held following rallies, spent much of their time dressing down the opposition especially the NC and the CPN-UML.

Chairman Mohan Baidya of CPN-Maoist-Baidya formally announced a 'people's movement' to safeguard national sovereignty, form a unity Government and guarantee a federal democratic constitution. The party said they would not work with the NC and the CPN-UML-led alliance to topple the Government. The party said four major forces-the UCPN-M, the NC, the CPN-UML and the Samyukta Loktantrik Morcha-have no vision to end the current political impasse. The 'people's movement' will begin on February 12, the 18th anniversary of the 'people's war.' The party plans to conduct sit-in protests, gheraos and mass mobilisation in major cities.

UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda urged the opposition parties to either forge a political agreement or miss the opportunity forever. Dahal said "I urge NC and CPN-UML to be ready for political consensus or else it would be too late." He also urged the opposition parties not to further delay consensus.

Supporters of the rival leaders of UCPN-M clashed during a convention of the party's local committee at Basantapur in Rautahat District. Dispute over the selection of the representatives for the upcoming General Convention got physical, prompting Police intervention to prevent further tension. The cadres participating in the convention were apparently divided into two camps - one supporting central leader and former minister Prabhu Sah and the other backed by Ashok Jaiswal, a leader of from party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda faction.

UCPN-M Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the upcoming General Convention of his party would reorient its ideological course of achieving "socialism through new-democracy" (propounded by Chairman Mao in China) to achieving "socialism through capitalism". Shrestha said‚ "We have concluded it is not possible to achieve socialism via the model of new-democracy in the current national and global context." He said as society was preferred capitalism‚ the party had decided to change its ideological course.

Chairman of CPN-UML Jhala Nath Khanal, said that the opposition parties have waged a nation-wide movement to fight the "totalitarian ambitions" of the ruling UCPN-M. Khanal said that the protest movement being organised by the opposition parties was solely meant to fight the growing Maoist totalitarianism and establish peace and harmony in the country. He also blamed the ruling alliance of shutting the doors to a meaningful dialogue to end the political crisis facing the country.

Top opposition leaders at a mass meet organized in Dullu village of Dailekh District claimed that the Government would collapse in just a matter of few days. Dubbing some recent acts by the Government as characteristics of an autocratic regime, they claimed that the UCPN-M´s own deeds would lead to its fall. Addressing the Dullu mass meet, NC President Sushil Koirala said, "The Maoists think they can seize the state powers by threatening the people. But, they are daydreaming. They will ultimately share the fate of the deposed king." He further said "The countdown has begun and the Government will soon fall". Chairman of CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said "The people are sick and tired of the dual attitude of the Maoists."

Various opposition parties organized a protest rally in Biratnagar of Morang District against Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai's Government. Addressing the protest rally, the leaders of opposition parties argued that their protest is aimed at thwarting the attempt of UCPN-M to impose totalitarianism in the country and safeguard the achievements made through the historic people´s movement in April 2006.

CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal said, "The Baburam Bhattarai-led Government is hell-bent on imposing totalitarianism by dissolving the CA. Our protest won't be stopped until the Government is toppled down." NC senior leader and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the Maoists were concentrating their efforts to prolong the Government and neglecting consensus politics.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda presented his political dossier during the closed door session of the party's ongoing seventh general convention that kicked off at Hetauda Industrial Estate, Makwanpur District. In the political document presented by Dahal terms like "protracted people's war" and "new democratic revolution" that formed the basis of the party's ideological stand has been formally removed. It calls for "capitalist revolution to create the foundation of socialism" and states that the party will focus its attention on economic growth in the country and fulfill its revolutionary goals by intervening "from both higher and grass root level".

A joint meeting of nine opposition parties' taskforce discussed ways to make anti-Government rally‚ schedule to be held on February 8. The meeting was held in Sanepa of Lalitpur District, NC headquarters.

Senior leader of the CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal warned that the UCPN-M will face the same fate as former king Gyanendra Shah if it does not "correct itself at the earliest." Nepal said the protest programme launched by the opposition parties will "correct" the Maoist party. "Our protest is not aimed at finishing off the Maoists. It is just to correct them. If they fail to correct themselves on time, they will face the same fate as the 240-year-old monarchy," he said.

As the first phase of protests launched by the alliance of nine opposition parties led by NC and CPN-UML opposition alliance is going to conclude on February 8, leaders from the agitating political parties worked out protest programs in Kathmandu for the second stage of demonstrations across the country.

NC president Sushil Koirala said that the opposition's agitations will continue until the Maoist-led Government steps down. He said that the opposition alliance is determined to remove the Government through the street protests and form a national unity Government.

Agitating opposition parties have stepped up efforts to garner people´s support for their anti-Government protests. NC General Secretary Prakash Man Singh led a campaign of publicity and distribution of handbills at Basantapur and New Road in Kathmandu.

Addressing the closed session of the ongoing seventh general convention of UCPNM in Hetauda town in Makwanpur District, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai told his party´s rank and file that it had become necessary for the party to stay in Government for the next 20-30 years. Bhattarai also sought support from the party organization to formulate party policy and programs accordingly. He said he would not step down any time soon without finding a suitable alternative.

President of the NC, Sushil Koirala said in Janakpur of Dhanusa District that the Madhesi Front currently in the Government under the leadership of Dr Baburam Bhattarai were also authoritarian like the UCPN-M.

Nine opposition parties including NC and CPN-UML hold protest assembly as their show of strength in Kathmandu.

The ruling UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda floated a new proposal of forming an election Government under the leadership of incumbent Chief Justice as a way to end the ongoing political impasse.

Major opposition parties, the NC and the CPN-UML, have rejected outright the UCPN-M's proposal to form an election Government under incumbent Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

The top leaders of the main opposition parties criticised the UCPN-M and the Government led by it. They, however, said door for talks was open and they were hopeful that UCPN-M would come to the negotiating table within a few days.

As the UCPN-M wrapped up its seventh GC in Hetauda town of Makwanpur District, the party re-elected Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda as its Chairman. At the seven-day convention that adopted a strategy of peaceful politics to accomplish a 'new capitalist revolution,' Dahal was once again able to consolidate his power with support from the rank and file. The GC also re-elected Baburam Bhattarai and Narayan Kaji Shrestha as the Vice-chairmen and Posta Bahadur Bogati as the General Secretary. PM Bhattarai had proposed Dahal continuing as the chairman, while Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha supported the proposal in the first meeting of the 98-member Central Committee (CC) elected at the GC. The appointments of four office bearers and members of the CC were endorsed through a voice vote in the closed session.

Mohan Baidya led CPN-Maoist-Baidya demonstrated in Kathmandu demanding the release of its cadres and leaders arrested in accusation of the murder of journalist Dekendra Thapa. Addressing the gathering, central member of the party, Dinesh Sharma, warned that if the cases of conflict period were rediscovered, the country would go back to conflict again. Similarly, Chairman of Nepal Teachers'' Organisation affiliated to the CPN-Maoist-Baidya, Guna Raj Lohani, accused the journalist of disseminating the news about the Dailekh incident in a one-sided way.

With a view to ensuring elections by the end of May, major opposition parties, the NC and the CPN-UML, have decided to remain open to all options, including the formation of a Chief Justice-led election Government.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said that he is ready to step down if there is an agreement among the political parties to form a new Government under the sitting Chief Justice for holding a fresh election. The Prime minister made his position clear in the wake of the opposition parties questioning whether the proposal of UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda to form a new Government under the chief justice has the present Government's backing.

Chairman of CPN-M Mohan Baidya said the current UCPN-M Government should be brought down at any cost because Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai who heads it is the main reason the country is facing the current political crisis in the first place. He said there is no alternative left but to wage a strong movement to bring the Bhattarai-led Government to its knees in order to end the protracted political deadlock and make way for the CA polls.

In a positive political development, the four major political parties reached an understanding to form new Government to hold the fresh CA elections by the end of May this year. A meeting of the top leaders of the UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and Madhesi Front held at Kathmandu arrived at the conclusion.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai asked his Cabinet colleagues to be 'mentally prepared' to leave office anytime soon.

Constitutional experts urged President Dr Ram Baran Yadav not to proceed with the proposal for forming a new Government led by the sitting Chief Justice, as proposed by the UCPN-M. Hari Krishna Karki chairman of NBA said the proposal cannot be acceptable in a country where there is rule of law. Similarly, NBA General Secretary Sunil Pokhrel said that forming a Government led by the sitting Chief Justice is against the principle of separation of powers.

A meeting of the top leaders of four major parties could not reach any agreement on the formation of the election Government. The opposition parties, NC and CPN-UML, argued that making the Chief Justice as the chief of both the executive and the judiciary will be against the fundamental principles of separation of powers.

Countering the arguments of opposition parties, UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda claimed that the Interim Constitution says a Supreme Court justice can lead an election Government. Addressing a mass gathering at the Khulamanch in Kathmandu, he said his party proposed a sitting Chief Justice for Prime Minister as a last resort.

President Ram Baran Yadav held separate meetings with NC president Sushil Koirala in the morning and later with UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, and CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal. He is also set to hold discussion with the leaders of the Madhesi Front.

Attorney General Mukti Narayan Pradhan advised Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai that a sitting Chief Justice can be appointed as Prime Minister to hold elections with a clear terms of reference. He said Article 106 had to be amended with clear provision of handing executive power to the Chief Justice-led Government to hold elections.

Leaders of four major political forces reached an informal agreement to appoint Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi as head of the mechanism. They said that they will formally recommend the President to remove constitutional hurdles for Regmi to lead the Government as 'Chief Executive' and not Prime Minister.

Members of civil society have strongly opposed the proposal for an election Government led by Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi‚ saying it goes against the independence of the judiciary and violates the Interim Constitution. Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana‚ former Election Commissioner Birendra Mishra and human rights activists Charan Prasai‚ Kanak Mani Dixit and Sushil Pyakurel opposed the proposal.

The leaders of the UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and Madhesi Front ended the meeting at the President's office, agreeing to resume talks on February 16 as they were still divided over the nitty-gritty of the new Government, which is likely to be called a 'mechanism' or 'council'.

The CC meeting of the CPN-UML remained inconclusive as an overwhelming majority of CC members strongly objected to the proposal to form an election Government under the leadership of the sitting Chief Justice even as top leaders of the party lobbied in favor of the proposal. Of the total 40 members who aired their views during the deliberations, some 30 leaders not only vehemently opposed the proposal but also criticized the top leadership for supporting the idea.

Four parties including the CPN-Maoist-Baidya‚ CPN (Unified)‚ CPN (Maoist) and Revolutionary Communist Party-Nepal have strongly criticised the Government formula of UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and announced protest programmes to oppose the sitting Chief Justice from leading the election Government. They have also pledged to continue their protests until the anti-national activities by the Government come to an end. The leaders have also urged all patriotic forces to support their cause.

The taskforce comprising two members from each of the four major parties - UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF - has finalized a draft "consensus" agreement on the formation of an 11-member neutral cabinet led by Chief Justice to hold fresh election to the CA.

Four leftist political parties including the Mohan Baidya led CPN-Maoist-Baidya held protest rallies in the country´s major cities including the Kathmandu against the preparations by the major parties to appoint the Chief Justice as the head of the Government for holding new elections. Mohan Baidya led CPN-Maoist-Baidya, Ram Singh Shreesha led CPN-Unified, Mani Thapa-led Revolutionary Communist Party and Matrika Yadav-led CPN (Maoist) participated in the rallies across the country.

Advocate Bharat Mani Jangam filed a writ petition at the SC challenging the decision of the four major parties to form a Government under a sitting Chief Justice. The petitioner has sought an interim order against the decision of the four major parties, arguing that such a move would encroach on the independence of judiciary.

Major political parties finally endorsed a deal to form an election Government under the leadership of sitting Chief Justice and to hold CA polls by mid-June. Top leaders of UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF along with key leaders from their respective parties reached the agreement to this effect in Kathmandu. The parties also agreed to hold the elections of local bodies by mid-April.

The cross-party task force formed to finalize the details of a package deal on holding fresh CA election suggested that election be held on June 5, 2013.

Normal life in Kathmandu Valley and across many parts of the country paralyzed due to the day-long bandh (general strike) called by CPN-Maoist-Baidya against the decision of four major political parties to form an 11-member election Government of 'techocrats' headed by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said that the Chief Justice was being entrusted with the leadership of the election Government based on a consensus among the political parties. He said though the Chief Justice would become the Prime Minister, there will be an advisory committee of senior leaders above him.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said that the formation of the Government under the Chief Justice was the last alternative to conduct CA election. He also urged not to aggravate the situation and lend their support for the elections.

Top leaders of the four major political forces have decided to hold a joint meeting with Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi after the latter declined to head an election Government under the ´various conditions´ put forth by the parties. A meeting of the UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF held on February 19 decided to hold the meeting to allay his concerns after Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai briefed the four-party meeting about the reservations harbored by the Chief Justice.

A meeting between the top leaders of the four major political parties - UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF with Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi to convince the latter to head the election Government ended inconclusively. The leaders discussed at length the constitutional and political issues with Regmi surrounding their proposal for an election Government comprising of technocrats, but no agreement was reached as the Chief Justice asked the leaders to guarantee that all the political parties agreed to accept his leadership and cooperate in holding the election within the stipulated time.

Six leftist political parties, including the CPN-Maoist - Baidya, submitted a joint 'objection letter' to President Ram Baran Yadav. The letter, submitted by the CPN (Unified), Matrika Yadav-led CPN (Maoist), Revolutionary Communist Party Nepal, Limbuwan National Council and Socialist Democratic Party, along with the CPN-Maoist-Baidya, said that the idea of a Chief Justice-led Government was "planted by foreign powers" and as such, it is a threat to national sovereignty. The President, in his capacity as protector of the constitution, should nullify such declarations, it further said.

Odds are stacking against the possibility of forming an election Government under Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi with 21 fringe parties opposing the move of the big four parties.

Twenty renowned constitutional experts and jurists told the Government and the leaders of four major parties - the UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF - that an election Government under Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was possible.

Legal experts said that the sitting Chief Justice can be appointed chief of a transitional Government through an amendment to the constitution. Lawyers and legal scholars said that the President would have to issue a decree to remove constitutional hurdles to implement the proposal.

The EC said the Government's plan to hold elections by June 5 may not materialize if political parties fail to hammer out a deal on a new election Government within the next seven days. Only 102 days remain for the June-5 D-day set by a cross-party taskforce of the four major political parties. However, key political forces are still divided on the formation of a Chief Justice-led election Government and on outstanding issues related to the elections. Parties have serious differences over the voters' roll, citizenship and constituency delineation.

CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel said that formation of an election Government under the sitting Chief Justice is unacceptable to the party. He said "The person who heads the judiciary can´t be appointed as the executive head. He must resign as Chief Justice. It is not acceptable to CPN-UML if he is elevated to the post of Chief Justice without resignation as the Chief Justice".

Ambassadors of United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and Finland met CPN-Maoist leaders suggesting them not to boycott the proposed CA elections.

NC President Sushil Koirala said "Four major political forces agreed to form an election Government as the President suggested for Chief Justice-led Government to give a way out to the country. Besides‚ there is immense international pressure for such a Government."

The major four political parties - the UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF have decided to finalize the issue of whether to form a Chief Justice-led election Government or not by February 25. They have also decided to wait for a final word from Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi whether he is willing to lead the election Government.

The SC referred four political parties' decision to form an election Government led by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi to a special bench and issued a show cause notice to the office of the President, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and his office and UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda to furnish written clarification over the decision by March 5.

SC Assistant Spokesperson Hemanta Rawal said Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi has finally made an official statement over the four-party proposition to form an election Government under the head of the judiciary. He further said that Chief Justice Regmi has no personal desire to be head of the Government, but has taken a recent proposal put forward by the major political parties positively.

After receiving positive indication from the SC, a meeting of four parties decided to expedite homework for clearing legal and constitutional hurdles for the formation of election Government led by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

SFs defused three bombs, allegedly planted by CPN-M Revolutionary, at three different places in Butwal city of Rupandehi District, Biratnagar city of Morang District and Bankatuwa village of Banke District. Police said they found leaflets of CPN-M Revolutionary from the recovery sites.

A second writ petition challenging the preparations to form an election Government headed by the Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was filed at the SC. The writ filed by Om Prakash Aryal states that the sitting Chief Justice cannot head the Government, and demands an interim order to stop the process until SC gives its final decision on the previous writ filed by Bharat Jangham, which is to be heard by the court on March 7.

NBA, an umbrella organisation of lawyers, said that Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi should not continue dispensing justice as that would be against the code of conduct given that he has publicly accepted presiding over the election Government.

A contempt of court case against Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was filed at the SC administration. The application claims that the head of the judiciary violated the code of conduct by issuing a statement indicating his positive position on a proposal asking him to head an election Government at a time when a petition challenging that very proposal remains subjudice in the SC.

UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda in Pokhara city of Kaski District said the election Government headed by the Chief Justice will be formed only after the SC gives its decision on a writ challenging the idea of such a Government.

Officials at the EC have ruled out any possibility of conducting election by mid June in the given time. “It is very difficult to conduct polls by mid-June but we are still doing our best to make this possible,” EC Spokesperson Anil Kumar Thakur told.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda apologized for the tragic Badarmude incident in Chitwan District which is considered one of the worst attacks on innocent civilians during the Maoist insurgency. A total of 39 passengers including three NA personnel were killed and 72 injured in an ambush planted by the former rebels of the then CPN-M on June 6, 2005. He also announced a relief package of Rs 6 million for the victims of the attack, adding that the relief package was prepared by consulting with different Government bodies.

Leaders of UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF failed to settle contentious issues related to Government formation, election and peace process as all the sides remained stuck to their respective stances. The parties also couldn´t settle differences over a major provision on the proposed TRC, the criteria related to voters´ list and some conditions related to determining the rank of former UCPN-M combatants who have joined NA.

The SC rejected a contempt of court case brought against Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi, saying that the petitioner made a subjective interpretation of the Chief Justice’s press statement in which the Chief Justice had said he was positive about accepting four political forces’ offer to lead an interim council of ministers.

Four major political forces said they would settle all the disputed issues before March 7, and claimed that they were close to a deal.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said that the country will plunge into a political turmoil if CA elections are not held by mid-June. He said that the parties need to arrive at an understanding within a few days to form a Government headed by the Chief Justice if elections are to be held by mid-July.

President Ram Baran Yadav told representatives of the NBA that he will not make any unconstitutional move while forming a new Chief Justice-led election Government.

Prime Minsiter Baburam Bhattarai said he is going to quit the Government within the next three days. The prime minister also claimed that the new CA elections will be held by mid-June at any cost.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said an election Government under the leadership of Chief Justice will take shape by March 7. Dahal went on to add, political parties have reached a deal to hand over the Government leadership to Chief Justice to conduct elections by mid-June.

CPN-M secretary Netra Bikram Chand said that his party will boycott elections conducted by the proposed election Government under the Chief Justice. Chand said "While the elected Government of Baburam Bhattarai could not hold the election it is foolish to think that non-political Government will be able to do it."

Top leaders of the four major parties met in a bid to forge consensus on a package deal on the formation of a Chief Justice-led Government. The eight-member cross party taskforce comprising two representatives each from four forces met to prepare a consensus proposal on outstanding issues, including an ordinance on the truth and reconciliation and disappearance commissions, rank determination, the citizenship distribution and update of the voters' list.

Four major parties agreed in principle to resolve their differences over distribution of citizenship and update of voter roll-the two contentious issues of the proposed package deal on the formation of a Chief Justice-led Government. The parties have also prepared a proposal on removal of constitutional difficulties for forming a new Government and conducting the elections.

The nation-wide bandh enforced by the FDF, an alliance of four left has affected normal life across the country. The bandh was enforced by the left parties opposing the agreement to constitute Chief Justice-led election Government and demanding to dissolve the incumbent Government.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai's political adviser Devendra Poudel said that the incumbent Government will hold fresh elections if parties fail to reach a deal on forming the election Government led by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

CPN-UML senior leader K.P Sharma Oli said the Chief Justice-led Government is the last option as it was the only alternative on which the major parties would possibly agree on. CA elections will be possible in June if the parties arrive at a consensus within a few days to form new Government, he said.

The second day of nationwide strike called by the FDF crippled normal life in the country. The Front has called the shutdown calling for the election of CA and formation of election Government at the earliest. Educational institutions, industries and offices remained shutting, while vehicles stayed off the roads. Ambulances, vehicles belonging to hospitals, press, security personnel, and those carrying tourists were seen plying the roads.

A woman passenger suffered minor injury when demonstrators pelted stones at the bus she was commuting while 154 demonstrators, including 16 women, were arrested for allegedly vandalising vehicles and trying to block traffic from different parts of Kathmandu during the nationwide shutdown called by FDF. Four vehicles were also reportedly vandalized during the shutdown.

Leaders of four major political parties claimed that formal agreement on Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi-led Election Government is around the corner. They said that they had resolved all sticking points except for the ranks to be given to the former PLA combatants to be integrated into the Nepal Army.

Senior CPN-UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal said the leadership of the election Government should not be given to Khil Raj Regmi without his resignation as the Chief Justice.

Leaders of four major political parties said they are yet to reach a final agreement on formation of a TRC and ranks to be accorded to former PLA fighters in the Nepal Army. The leaders, who met in Kathmandu, said that an inter-party task force, formed to sort out the details of the much-talked-about package deal, has sought more time to come up with a concrete proposal on the issues.

In the bid to nail down differences of the Chief Justice-led election Government, the big four political parties - UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and Madhesi Front - hold talks once again at the International Convention Centre in Kathmandu. The meeting expected to narrow down the differences of the parties regarding the rank determination and give a final touch to a package deal on the same.

Nepal entered an unusual political course after major political parties signed a deal to form an election Government headed by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi. The deal paved the way for resolving the long standing hurdle on the formation of a new Government and new CA elections.. The non-partisan Government has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting new CA elections by June 21, 2013.

Leaders from the four major political forces signed an 11-point political agreement at the secretariat of the Special Committee at the International Convention Center, Kathmandu. As per the agreement, the proposed head of the Government will resume his function as Chief Justice after he accomplishes the task of holding the CA elections, which is described as the main responsibility of the election Government. The agreement stated that the new CA will have 491 members. Of these, 240 members will be elected under the first-past-the-post electoral system and 240 will be elected under proportional representative quotas while another 11 members will be nominated by the cabinet on the basis of political agreement. The agreement further said that the interim cabinet will not be allowed to take any decision that may have a long-term impact on the country.

Rejecting outright the proposal of the four major political parties to form a new Government under the sitting Chief Justice, 18 various minor parties represented in the erstwhile CA have demanded the finding of an alternative Prime Ministerial candidate from within the political parties for holding fresh polls.

The Baburam Bhattarai-led Cabinet endorsed a political document signed by four major forces and recommended President Ram Baran Yadav to remove hurdles of 25 articles of the Interim Constitution by invoking Article 158, to pave the way for the formation of a new interim election council under Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was sworn in as the head of the interim election Government at a special function organised at the President's Office in Shital Niwas, Kathmandu. While President Ram Baran Yadav administered the oath of office to Regmi, the new head of Government administered the same to ministers Madhav Ghimire and Hari Prasad Neupane. Regmi has been assigned various portfolios, including finance and defence.

The first meeting of Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi-led interim election cabinet decided to stop the distribution of state benefits. As per the decision of the three-member cabinet, state largesse will not be distributed to anybody without formulating clear guidelines. The election Government also expressed commitment to hold the CA elections in a free and fair manner on time and called upon all the political parties, civil society and the general public to create an election atmosphere.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the appointment of an interim body in Nepal. In a statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said, "The Secretary-General welcomes the appointment of an Interim Electoral Council which has ended the protracted stalemate in Nepal." Further, the statement said "He urges all actors to create a conducive environment for the next elections and to maintain the momentum to implement the outstanding commitments of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement."

CPN-M-Baidya called a bandh in Kathmandu to protest the appointment of Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi as the head of the Interim Election Council. Vehicles plying the capital´s streets came to a standstill and people had to rush to their destinations on foot. 21 other fringe parties have also protested the Chief Justice-led government, arguing that it was against the principle of separation of powers.

NBA said that a sheer attack on independent judiciary by Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi by heading an election government has left a black spot in Nepal's six decade-long judicial history. The NBA has also urged the legal practitioners and other professional organizations to condemn such antidemocratic move.

Supreme Court Bar Association also condemned the appointment of the Chief Justice to the post of the Prime Minister.

Five persons were injured as the agitating CPN-M-Baidya and 21 other smaller parties burnt copies of the 11-point agreement in Kathmandu signed by the four major political parties. There was a clash between the agitators and the Police during the protest.

ICJ urged newly appointed head of the interim election Government Khil Raj Regmi to step down as Chief Justice "so as to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law". In a statement issued by Ben Schonveld, ICJ's South Asia Director in Kathmandu said "The Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi, has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in Nepal."

In a meeting in Kathmandu 34 parties decided to boycott the public functions in which President Ram Baran Yadav‚ Chief Justice‚ chairman of the election Government Khil Raj Regmi and Cabinet members will take part. The meeting also decided to organise a mass meeting on March 17 to expose the leaders of the four major parties‚ hold interactions with members of the civil society on March 18 and interact with former lawmakers on March 19.

President Ram Baran Yadav promulgated an ordinance, clearing constitutional and legal hurdles for the Government to appoint members to various constitutional bodies, including the EC. Following the endorsement of the ordinance by the President's office, the Government has intensified preparations to appoint commissioners to long vacant posts at the EC, the CIAA, the OAG and the PSC.

Interim Election Council chief Khil Raj Regmi urged all political parties, civil society and the general public to prepare for fresh elections. Regmi said that political parties, who may be divided on many issues, are one on holding the belief that the people's mandate is most important in a democracy. He added that the only objective of the Government is to hold elections and it will use all its resources to do so.

The HLPM headed by UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda recommended the Government to hold fresh CA polls on June 18. HLPM Coordinator Dahal met Chairman of Interim Election Government Khil Raj Regmi and made the recommendation after a decision to that effect was taken in an HLPM meeting. Dahal also learnt to have asked Regmi to fill the vacancies of EC and announce the date of polls at the earliest.

Interim Election Council Chairman Khil Raj Regmi expanded his Cabinet for the first time inducting eight new ministers - all of them former bureaucrats to the Cabinet. Regmi administered them the oath of office and secrecy at the office of the President in Kathmandu. With the expansion, the number of ministers in the Cabinet has reached 11.

Addressing a party programme in Kavre town of Kavrepalanchok District CPN-M-Baidya Chairman Mohan Baidhya claimed that election to a new CA is not possible. Baidhya said, "The upcoming so-called election is meaningless. This is nothing except four big forces' bid to push the nation towards authoritarianism. Therefore our party will not let the election happen."

SC ordered Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi to limit his role to chairman of the Interim Election Council for the time being and he will not have any role in the capacity of Chief Justice at the same time.

A group of people affiliated with the CPN-M-Baidya vandalised the head office of Ncell, the biggest private sector telecommunication company in Nepal, located at Naya Baneshwor in Kathmandu. Five persons were arrested from the scene.

United Nations Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman in Kathmandu said that the United Nations supports the Nepal's electoral process and constitutional roadmap.

A Cabinet meeting of the interim election government said it would announce the election date only after appointing the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. Once that's done, the Government will form the election commission. The poll date will be fixed only after holding consultations on the technical issues of the elections with the commission.

The ongoing meeting of the UCPN-M Central Committee has formed two panels in preparation for the upcoming elections. A panel, headed by General Secretary Posta Bahadur Bogati will decide on the name list of leaders who will contest the elections. Similarly, the party also formed a nine-member panel under Vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai to prepare the party's manifesto.

UN Under-secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said that Nepal needs credible and inclusive elections that reflect the political ambitions of the Nepali people. Feltmen said "I found that Chairman Regmi is committed to holding elections at the earliest. The UN will continue its support to the electoral process in Nepal."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay urged the Government to rectify truth and reconciliation ordinance that authorizes TRC to grant amnesty, contravening international standards.

CC forwarded the names of five commissioners, including the Chief of the Election Commission, to President Ram Baran Yadav for approval. The first CC meeting recommended former Acting Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Uprety as the head of the body, and former members Dolakh Bahadur Gurung and Ayodhee Prasad Yadav to their previous positions. The new entrants include Ila Sharma and Rambhakta PV Thakur.

CPN-M-Baidya has set three preconditions that it says will have to be fulfilled for the party to contest elections. The party has demanded that four major political parties scrap the 11-point agreement to form an election Government under Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi, dissolve the current Government and organise a round table conference to form a Government of national unity. If the preconditions are not met, we will boycott the elections, said party General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa at press conference organised by the party.

President Ram Baran Yadav urged the chairman of the interim electoral Government, Khil Raj Regmi, who is ex-officio head of the CC to clarify legality of the recommendations to re-appoint three former Election Commissioners.

Dr. Alexander Spachis, Head of the Delegation of the EU to Nepal, said "The interim electoral Government has the main responsibility to hold the elections and it should concentrate on holding the elections successfully and that the EU is ready to support this task."

President Yadav appointed Nil Kantha Upreti as CEC and Dolakh Bahadur Gurung and Ayodi Prasad Yadav as Commissioners. Along with them, Ila Sharma and Ram Bhakta Thakur have been appointed commissioners. All the five names were selected by the high-level mechanism of four parties, which is headed by UCPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Newly appointed CEC, Nil Kantha Upreti said that the EC will call on the Government to announce a date for fresh CA elections, at the earliest.

33 political parties, including the CPN-M-Baidya announced a stir against the 11-point agreement and the Khil Raj Regmi led Government. CPN-M-Baidya leader Hitman Shakya said the parties will organise protest programmes on April 1 and stage a sit-in at Singha Durbar and District Administration Offices across the country.

CPN-Maoist Baidya cadres obstructed the ongoing voters' registration process at Jyamirgadhi and Dharampur VDCs in Jhapa District. The cadres said that they would not allow EC to hold elections under the present Government.

CPN-Maoist Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung said his party will carry on with its struggle and sabotage any initiative taken by the Government till the March 14 declaration of elections is scrapped. He said "The parties' declaration breached the constitution and has pushed the country deeper into crisis, so we have to counter it."

A writ petition was filed at the Supreme Court challenging the re-appointment of Nil Kantha Upreti as CEC and Ayodhi Prasad Yadav and Dolakh Bahadur Gurung as commissioners of the EC. Prabin Kumar Labh and Hare Ram Sah in their writ argued that appointment of the three EC office-bearers breached Clause 3 and 7 of Article 128 of the Interim Constitution, demanding that the court scrap the appointment.

Cadres of CPN-Maoist-Baidya disrupted the collection of the voters' list with photographs and looted related documents at Dulegauda VDC in Tanahun District. The cadres also looted record file of voters´ list of Ward No. 7 of the VDC.

Election Commissioner Dr. Ayodhi Prasad Yadav said that the EC is capable of holding elections to the CA within third week of June. The Election Commissioner said that the collection of voters´ list with photographs has been completed up to 80 per cent and the remaining works would be completed by April 28.

Cadres of the CPN-Maoist-Baidya vandalised the District election office in Baglung District. A group of masked cadres of the CPN-Maoist-Baidya pretending to come to the election office to register their names in the voter list smashed the windowpanes, computers, telephone sets and printer. Following the incident, Police 'apprehended' some of the District leaders of the party, who owned "moral responsibility" for the attack. They, however, denied that they had given orders to vandalise the election office. The leaders were released afterwards.

The EC told members of a cross-party taskforce that it will suggest a date for the elections only after it is confident of updating the voter rolls and formulating electoral laws. Top officials from the Home Ministry, Law Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office were invited to the meeting that dwelt on ways to update the electoral acts and intensify preparations to hold the polls in June.

In Lalitpur District, a group of around 20 CPN-Maoist-Baidya cadres misbehaved with EC officials and smashed a laptop computer used for maintaining records of voters and taking their photographs to be affixed on voters' ID cards in Chaughare VDC.

In Bhaktapur District, four CPN-Maoist-Baidya cadres vandalised Bhaktapur District Election Office. The masked men broke into EC office and damaged one laptop, a photocopy machine and a printer. They also tore apart 68 forms meant for registering voters' details.

The Government formed a three-member committee headed by Home Minister Madhav Ghimire to negotiate with political parties that are opposed the elections including the CPN-Maoist-Baidya and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum to come to the negotiating table. Health minister Bidhyadhar Mallik and communication minister Madhav Poudel are members of the talks committee.

Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Thakur, who is also the EC spokesperson, requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to begin distribution of citizenship certificates by deploying mobile teams across the country. Thakur said, "We have suggested to the Ministry of Home Affairs to distribute citizenship cards by deploying 305 mobile teams initially and increase the number of the teams to 561 if needed."

FICNs in the denomination of INR 1,000 and 500 with a total face value of INR 514,500 were recovered from an abandoned bag from Balkhu area in Kathmandu District.

33-party alliance led by CPN-Maoist-Baidya declared that they will hold decisive talks only with the President. The 33-party alliance also demanded that the Government immediately stop collecting voters' lists across the country refrain from ratifying the convention against organized crime and the Police crackdown on their cadres across the country.

Top leaders from the three major political parties have indicated that they have reached a tacit understanding for holding new election in November or December but not in June. UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal conceded that the chances of holding election in mid-June are almost nil. CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said that his party is not rigid on the date for holding new election but his party´s priority is to see the election held by mid-June and if that is not possible then it could be held in the winter. NC leader Bimalendra Nidi said "Frankly, I don´t think election is possible in June. This was one of the reasons why the taskforce recommended November-December as the alternative date."

Cadres of CPN-Maoist-Baidya chased away the EC officials at Pokhari Chauri VDC in Kavre District after one of its cadre Deep Lama was arrested while obstructing the voters' registration process in the District and did not release him.

EC issued letter to all District election offices across the country to halt the process of collecting and updating voters' registration with photographs. The decision was taken after 53 parties including CPN-Maoist-Baidya submitted a memorandum to Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Upreti urging the EC to halt all the activities related to election. The memorandum warns of dire consequences if the EC continues with the voters' registration and other activities to facilitate polls.

MoHA made preparations to deploy around 800 mobile teams across the country in order to accommodate in the new electoral rolls those who have attained the voting age but do not yet have such certificates. MoHA will deploy mobile teams across all 75 Districts immediately after the Finance Ministry and the MoPR release the necessary budget.

33 fringe parties, including CPN-Maoist-Baidya staged sit-ins and chanted anti-Government slogans in front of Singha Durbar in Kathmandu to protest against the slated CA polls, Khil Raj Regmi-led election Government and the agreements forged by the four major political parties without consulting other parties and stakeholders.

Cadres of CPN-Maoist-Baidya captured some 35 acres of private land belonging to Interim Election Council Chairman Khil Raj Regmi in Bardiya District. They also captured over 100 acres of land of local Laxmi Prasad Upadhyay and late Yubaraj Upadhyay in the District. They said that land capture was one of the programmes as per their campaign and threatened to take action if anybody tries to release the captured land.

Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda called on Interim Election Council chief Khil Raj Regmi at the latter's official residence in Kathmandu and requested Regmi to announce the date of the CA elections at the earliest so as to carry out the election in June at any cost.

A meeting of the HLPC took place at the secretariat of the Army Integration Special Committee in Kathmandu. The meeting dwells on issues related to hold talks with the agitating 33-fringe parties including the CPN-Maoist-Baidya to convince them to take part in the elections and fixing new election date.

UCPN-M cadres demonstrating in front of the forest office of Rautahat District demanding action against DFO Nanda Lal Yadav for corruption went on to vandalize the forest office and then set it ablaze. The Maoists accused DFO Yadav of massive corruption while awarding contracts to purchase timber from the forest office.

The Government issued mid-May deadline to submit the remaining 32 arms given earlier for personal security to the top UCPN-M and CPN-Maoist-Baidya leaders after they joined the mainstream politics. The Government has warned of taking action as per the existing legal provision if the arms are not submitted to the Government within the stipulated deadline.

UCPN-M objected to the EC's proposal of requiring one per cent threshold to secure at least one seat in the CA through proportional representation system. On the other hand, the NC and CPN-UML backed the EC's proposal, stating that the proposed threshold would encourage the fringe parties to unite to champion their cause in the CA.

Chairman of Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi said that the Government is willing to make necessary changes in the proposed election law including the disqualification criteria for contesting the elections and the mandatory one percent threshold for the parties to get represented in the would-be CA under the proportional system to ensure that smaller parties get represented in the CA.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya dismissed the call from the HLPC of the four major parties for talks on the elections. The HLPC was led by Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal to convince the smaller parties including CPN-Maoist-Baidya to join the upcoming elections.

Minister for Home and Foreign Affairs Madhav Prasad Ghimire urged all parties to cooperate in the CA elections stating that the election was the important responsibility of the Government.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal while inaugurating a month-long cadre mobilisation campaign organised by the party's Special Bureau in Dhading District accused the interim election council of conspiring against the elections in spite of its commitment to hold them in June. Dahal also said there is no guarantee of elections in November.

The nationwide general strike called by the 33 political parties, including the CPN-Maoist-Baidya, crippled normal life across the country. The parties called for the strike demanding the formation of a partisan Government instead of the current Chief Justice-led Government.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a mass gathering in Dhading District said that he will wait until mid-December to allow the Government to hold new CA elections as it was as per his own proposal that the interim election Government under the leadership of sitting Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was formed.

Head of the Election Government Khil Raj Regmi said that the Government is constitutionally bound to hold new elections by mid-December 2013. He emphasized the need for the political parties to take initiatives toward ensuring involvement of more and more political parties and public participation in the elections.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya Chairman Mohan Baidya accused the four leaders of the big four political parties of becoming 'new kings' thereby creating problems in the national politics. He further said the four major parties had no legitimate stand so his party would not talk to them. However, separate meetings could be held with the individual party, he added.

CPN-UML Jhala Nath Khanal claimed that the UCPN-M leaders won't allow the slated CA election to happen until they are certain of their victory in it. He said this is why the election cannot take place in June as the Government and the political parties are planning.

A cabinet meeting endorsed five ordinances related to election and citizenship distribution and forwarded them to the president. The Government endorsed the Nepali Citizenship Act-2063 with a view to allowing distribution of citizenship certificates by descent to the children of citizens by birth. The cabinet also endorsed another ordinance related to the voter registration process.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda criticised the Government for not announcing the election date. Addressing a mass meeting organized by the party in Baglung Bazaar of Baglung District, Dahal said that the interim election council should have announced the election date a day after it came into existence and that it should not waste any more time in fixing the date.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya Secretary Netra Bikram Chand warned that his party would retaliate if the much awaited elections to the CA are held sans high level political consensus. He said that his party is ready to take any kind of steps if the Government tried to hold elections without consensus.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal told media persons in Baglung District that the poll date would be fixed for mid-November. He also said that the election date will be announced within the next two days by taking consent of the dissident political groups, including CPN-Maoist-Baidya.

Chairman of UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda addressing a press meet in Kaski District said that the election to the CA would not be halted only because the CPN-Maoist-Baidya obstructing the election process. He also said anyone hampering the election process and all the activities towards holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner would be considered as an affront on the sovereign rights of the Nepali people.

President Ram Baran Yadav certified four ordinances including those related to the elections and distribution of citizenship cards. The ordinances issued as per the Article 88 (1) of the Interim Constitution are related to Nepal Citizenship Act (1st amendment), Election Act, Civil Service Act (3rd amendment) and Nepal Health Service Act (4th amendment).

Chairman of the interim election Government Khil Raj Regmi called on the youth to take part in elections. He added the upcoming CA election was vital to establish good governance and political stability in the country and appealed the youth to support the CA poll regardless of their beliefs and practices.

HLPC comprising top leaders of major parties asked the interim Government to formally announce the date for the CA election scheduled to be held this year. The committee also decided to take the initiative to bring the fringe parties that are against the Government's plan to hold the election to the talks table and bring them into understanding.

HLPC decided to dissolve the Special Committee by sorting out all the remaining issues. The meeting decided to provide Rs 2.55 lakhs each to the 47 former Maoist combatants who requested to leave the Nepali Army even after joining the National Army.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda met Chairman of interim election council Khil Raj Regmi, asking him to fix the CA election date immediately. In response, Regmi mentioned that the Government could not announce the date because a lot is to be done to create election atmosphere and asked the four-party mechanism to take initiation to bring the agitating parties on board.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya Chairman Mohan Baidya said that the four major parties have pushed the nation towards fascism by electing Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi as the head of the executive. Baidya further said that his party would not take part in the CA election unless the issues raised by the party are addressed. He also said that the Government should be led by a political party.

Four major political parties agreed in principle to hold fresh CA elections in mid-November citing the time constraint, the delay in clearing legal hurdles and differences on some provisions of electoral laws.

Nepal Police busted a FICN racket arresting two Pakistani nationals and seizing FICN worth INR 4.7 million at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The arrested were identified as Julekha Banu and her son Essa Danish. They arrived in Kathmandu from Karachi along with the FICN by Pakistani Airlines.

UCPN-M Vice-chairman and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said the Government should immediately announce the election date so as to build public confidence on the polls. Bhattarai said that the distrust between the parties might grow to the extent of jeopardizing the election if the Government does not announce the date right away.

Vice-chairman of UCPN-M Narayan Kaji Shrestha talking to media emphasised on the need of including the CPN-Maoist-Baidya and other parties in the HLPC if they commit themselves to the upcoming CA elections. He said the four parties need to be liberal enough to include Chairmen of CPN-Maoist-Baidya, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and others into the HLPC.

The Government sent invitations for talks to Upendra Yadav-led FDF and Mohan Baidya-led CPN-Maoist-Baidya-led alliance of various 33 fringe political parties.

SC ordered the Interim Election Council and the EC to form a Constituency Delimitation Commission to delineate the election constituencies afresh. The apex court's order comes at a time when Madhesi political parties are threatening to boycott the upcoming election if the Government tries to hold it without first delineating the election constituencies anew.

Chairman of Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi said he is determined to conduct the CA elections within Mansir (mid-December). Speaking to a delegation of RPP-Nepal after receiving a memorandum submitted by the party, Regmi said he is "committed to hold free and fair elections within mid-December".

During a meeting with Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi held in Kathmandu, top EC officials urged Regmi to approve the ordinance on amending the Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly Act, 2013, at the earliest. In response, Regmi told EC top officials that the Interim Election Council will approve the ordinance and forward it to the President at the earliest.

The Government decided to implement Citizenship Distribution Directive to ease the distribution of citizenship keeping in mind the proposed CA elections. A Cabinet meeting made a decision to that effect. The ruling would facilitate the distribution of citizenship across the country by joint teams comprising officials from the EC and the MoHA.

RPP-Nepal handed over a 7-point memorandum to President Ram Baran Yadav which demands for immediate announcement of the CA election date and formation of Election Constituency Delineation Commission. A delegation led by RPP-Nepal chairman Kamal Thapa met President Yadav and submitted the memorandum. The party had presented the same set of demands to chairman of the interim election council Khil Raj Regmi.

EC advised the Government to plan the CA elections preferably in the second week of November. While the EC did not categorically disclose the dates, an official said the commission is for holding polls on November 14-15.

HLPC comprising four major political forces - UCPN-M, NC, CPN-UML and UDMF - advised the Government to announce a date of the CA election by the last week of April. The meeting also decided to hold serious talks with the agitating political parties that have threatened to boycott the election process.

FDF led by MJF Chairman Upendra Yadav demanded that Khil Raj Regmi should quit the post of chief justice or chairman of council of ministers to maintain democratic norms and values, principle of separation of powers and independence of judiciary. They also demanded that the HLPC comprising the four major political forces should be scrapped, as it controlled and could influence the independence of polls. The front demanded to hold an all-party meeting to determine the basic principles of the new constitution before the polls.

President Ram Baran Yadav asserted that CA elections will certainly take place in November. President Yadav said that there is no other alternative to elections to write the new constitution and that the polls will certainly take place in November. Referring to the demand of agitating 33 parties for direct talks with him, he said that the parties should sit for talks with the Government itself.

The President said, "It is the Government´s duty to talk to the dissident parties and bring them into the mainstream. It is the Government´s duty to talk to them and convince them.". The President told, "The only solution to the current political stalemate is to hold the CA elections. Therefore, all the political parties must join hands to make the coming elections a success."

Chairman of Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi urged all the sections of the society, including political parties and their sister wings, to focus on election. Regmi stated this in a greeting issued by him on the eve of Loktantra Diwas.

Chairman of Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmisaid that the slated CA elections will take place at any cost and there is no reason to doubt that. He said, "There is no reason to doubt Government's commitment to hold timely polls and we are engaged in necessary homework for the same." Though he did not announce tentative date for the election, he informed that the drive to collect voter's namelist is already underway and will soon finish.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya leaders said their party must 'take up all measures' to foil CA elections if the Government tries to go ahead with the plan without first forging consensus. In the ongoing CC meeting of the party, speakers said the formation of the Khil Raj Regmi-led Interim Election Government is 'unconstitutional' and, therefore, the party should disrupt the elections.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya reiterated that it would not participate in the election to the CA but disrupt the electoral process. The speakers at the extended meeting of the CC of the party said formation of present Government was unconstitutional and it was not judicious in the election to be held by this Government.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda addressing a function in Salyan District claimed that his party is going to reach alliance with Madhesi and Janajati groups in the upcoming elections. However, he did not explain which of the Madhesi and Janajati groups his party would join hands with.

President Ram Baran Yadav expressing hope that the election to CA would be held on time said 85 percent of all the active political forces have already ready for elections. He further said as head of the state he was taking initiatives to persuade some dissident political parties, including CPN-Maoist-Baidya, to come on board the election process.

The Government and the EC have agreed to hold fresh polls to elect a new CA with 601 members. The Government reached a conclusion to retain the old strength of 601 when the big four parties decided to reduce the CA's strength from 601 to 491.

Chairman of the IEC Khil Raj Regmi held a meeting with the office-bearers of the EC and took stock of progress made in regard to holding the election within November this year. During the meeting Regmi directed the EC officials to intensify the election-related works and activities so as to ensure timely polls.

CEC Neelkantha Upreti, said the EC has decided to publish a notice inviting registration of political parties. He said parties already in the EC's register need to be re-registered and new parties will have to produce signatures of at least 10,000 supporters in order to be eligible for the registration.

CEC Neel Kantha Uprety said preparations are underway to hold the CA election by the third week of November. Speaking at a programme Tanahun District, Upreti said that the election date will be fixed in about two weeks' time.

EC Spokesperson Madhu Prasad Regmi said the EC is all set to register political parties for the upcoming CA election from April 30. He said "The EC has issued a call to political parties for registration. We will start registering new parties from April 30 for a month."

Nepal Army said the former Maoist combatants integrated into the National Army would be eligible to participate in UN peacekeeping missions only after serving in the institution at least for six years. The Army Service Regulation introduced earlier this year by the Ministry of Defence has it that the soldiers must complete six years of service in the Army to qualify for UN peacekeeping.

CEC Nil Kantha Upreti said that the Government will announce election date within the next 10 days. Upreti said that elections were the backbone of a democratic system, and the commission was committed to holding free and fair election.

EC has started the process of registration and renewal of political parties for the upcoming polls to the CA from today.

Eleven political parties - CPN-UML, UCPN-M, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, Nepali Congress, CPN-ML, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Sadbhawana Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Loktantrik), Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastriya Party and Nepal Pariwar Dal - have applied for party renewal at the EC on the first day of the party registration process.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda addressing a programme organized by the party in Itahari city of Sunsari District said his party will forge electoral alliance with Madhesi and Janajati groups in the upcoming elections.

CPN-Maoist-Baidya Secretary Dev Gurung said the party is not going to register with the EC until the ordinance issued by the President to pave the way for formation of the Chief Justice-led Government is withdrawn. Gurung said there should be an all-party Government in place of the Government of bureaucrats to conduct the elections.

As many as 1,606 illegal weapons have been collected from different Districts in the far-west after a second notice was issued calling for submission of illegal weapons to the Police by April 30. 1,045 arms were collected from nine Districts - Bajura Kailali, Doti, Achham, Bajhang, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Darchula, and Baitadi Districts collecting 609, 27, 69, 214, 77, nine, eight, 30, and two respectively. Separately, 503 illegal weapons collected from Dailkeh District and 58 weapons from Kapilvastu District.

CEC Nil Kantha Upreti said that the Government should announce the election date without further delay. Upreti claimed that the EC has completed the necessary preparations and that there is no reason why the Government should take time in fixing the poll date.

The alliance of 33 political parties led by CPN-Maoist-Baidya staged protestin front of the EC at Kantipath in Kathmandu City against the ongoing election process including the registration of parties. They also blocked vehicular movement in and around Kantipath during the protest.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and NC President Sushil Koirala met at the latter's residence in Kathmandu. NC leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula, who was present during the meeting, said, "We will hold talks with the agitating parties, including CPN-Maoist-Baidya, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Nepal, Sanghiya Samajbadi Party and other fringe parties. We will also intensify inter-party meetings from tomorrow to discuss poll related issues."

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal talking to mediapersons at Simara Airport in Bara District said that his party was ready to enter into an electoral alliance with the CPN-Maoist-Baidya.

Normal life in the Eastern Districts have been affected for the third consecutive day due to bandh called by Sanghiya Limbuwan Rajya Parishad demanding that the citizenship distribution, and voters list collection process be stopped until the agitating fringe parties' demands regarding the CA elections were addressed.

NC President Sushil Koirala refused to hold talks with UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on contemporary contentious issues, saying his fellow leaders, including Vice-president Ramchandra Paudel, were not available in Kathmandu. The NC chief also postponed his meeting with the leaders of the CPN-UML.

A Pakistani national and his Nepali associate were arrested at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Sheikh Mohammed Fukran (48), a resident of Azizabad in Karachi, was arrested by a team of Nepali Police after he landed on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. FICNs worth Rs. 1 crore in denominations of 500 and 1000 were recovered from the false bottom of the suitcase carried by the accused.

UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal initiated efforts to improve ties with the CPN-Maoist-Baidya. Dahal is wooing the Baidya party after the Madhesi and Janajati parties rejected a possible election alliance with the UCPN-M.

District Police Office in Rolpa District said that they have collected 227 illegal weapons since the nationwide arms collection drive began. 164 weapons were collected till March 28 and 63 more were collected after the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the deadline till April 28.

Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi called on President Ram Baran Yadav at his residence in Kathmandu and told Regmi that all vacant posts in key state bodies need to be filled, as per prevailing laws, to ensure good governance. Regmi conveyed to the President that the Government was doing the needful to make appointments to constitutional bodies.

Top leaders from NC and UCPN-M decided to intensify talks with other political parties to help the Government conduct elections. The leaders who met at NC President Sushil Koirala''s residence in Maharajgunj of Kapilvastu District also agreed to urge the Government to approve election ordinances soon.

Two bombs were recovered at Mainaghat-based Saraswati School in the Nawalparasi District. The bombs were planted by an unidentified group targeting a mobile camp of District Administration Office for citizenship distribution and voters' list collection. Tikaram Wagle, coordinator of the mobile camp, informed slogans demanding dismissal of the Government among others has been written at three muds filled sacks kept few metres away.

The Government held a discussion with the leaders of the political parties including the four major political parties on election-related issues. In the meeting chaired by the Interim Election Council Chairman Khil Raj Regmi, the Government side informed that it is in the final stage of introducing the election-related laws and declare the election date.

Putting forth three preconditions for talks, CPN-Maoist-Baidya rejected the interim Government's call for an all-party meeting to narrow down the differences on issues related to electoral ordinances. In a press statement, the party Chairman Mohan Baidhya has repeated the party's demands to scrap the 25-point presidential decree, revoke the citizenship bill and void the recent appointment at CIAA as three preconditions for talks to end the political crisis.

As the 33 agitating parties boycotted the meeting called by Chairman Regmi, Chairman of the UCPN-M Pushpa Kamal Dahal said "We will try our best to address the concerns of the agitating parties. However, we have concluded that the elections can be held even if one or two parties refuse to join the election process." Dahal added that the polls will be held between November 15 and 22.

Normal life in Terai region was paralysed due to the day-long bandh enforced by Sadbhavana Party. The party enforced the shutdown putting forth 10-point demands that includes immediate announcement of date for fresh CA election. Police arrested six leaders and cadres of the party including Sunsari District Member Parameswor Mandal who were in Itahari to close the markets and stop vehicles along with party flags. Those arrested are Madan Mandal, Raman Khan, Bhupen Kumar Thakur, Naresh Mahato and Pramod Chaudhary. Similarly, in Chitwan District, five leaders and cadres of the party were arrested from Ratnanagar of Chitwan this morning while trying to stop vehicles. The arrested cadres of the Party led by Rajendra Mahato were Central Member Arjun Upreti, Kushal Subedi, Indra Subedi, Sandesh Tamang and Jiwan Chaudhary.

Coordination committee member and Federal Affairs and Local Development Minister Bidhyadhar Mallik said the Government is preparing to forward the three poll related ordinances to the President within four days even if the parties fail to iron out their differences.