Nepal’s Madhesi parties Sanghiya Gathbandhan have struck a deal with the Prachanda-led coalition government under which they would take part in the local body elections after a revised Constitution amendment bill is passed in Parliament through a fast-track process. The Federal Alliance, a grouping of agitating Madhesi parties and ethnic groups, reached an agreement on issues related to Constitution amendment and local polls.
In a meeting held at Kathmandu today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal cabinet also decided to hold local elections in two phases.
The first phase elections will be held on May 14 in Province no. 3, 4 and 6. Polling for second phase will be held on June 14 in Province no. 1, 2, 5 and 7. The government has appealed main opposition party to support constitution amendment bill.
The cabinet has also called Sanghiya Gatbandhan to withdraw its agitation. Earlier in the day Prime Minister had held consultation with the Election Commission on local polls. Meanwhile, Sanghiya Gathbandhan has postponed its agitation. Rajender Mahto, one of the leader of Rashtriya Janta Party told media that Gathbandhan has decided to time being postpone all its agitation programmes.
In a significant development last night the ruling parties and Gathbandhan had arrived on an agreement to revise constitution amendment bill and hold local elections in two phases.