Govt. tries to convince opposition to participate in elections

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 26 Feb: Government held inconclusive discussions Tuesday with leaders of three terai parties to convince them to participate in the 10 April constituent assembly elections.
Discussions were held on six demands; new demands, including rescheduling of elections, were also discussed, party sources said.
Government said it will hold the vote despite the boycott of the front demanding the right to self-determination and provincial rule.
Police Tuesday shot dead one person in Parasi where demonstrators attacked the home of a former minister on the 14th day on an indefinite strike by the front pushing its demands.
As clashes continued local administration slapped curfews in Sunsari, Siraha Bazzar Nepalgunj, Birgunj and several other towns.
Election Commission Tuesday published names of 2191 candidates who filed nominations Monday for elections, 33 political parties are participating in elections, the Commission said.
To ease the supply of essential goods during the strike, government Monday enforced the essential services act..
The act empowers the state to intervene in private sector undertakings in order to ensure smooth and regular flow of essential services in the country.
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Nepal, China meet 3 March

Kathmandu, 26 Feb: Nepal, China are holding a consultative meeting in the Nepalese capital 3 March.
A nine-member delegation led by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs arrives 2 March to attend the regular annual meeting.
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Election Commission to cancel elections

Kathmandu, 26 Feb: It’s learnt Election Commission is preparing to announce the cancellation of constituent assembly in the absence of peace and security with the agreement of political parties, Punarjagaran reports.
An announcement is being made because election cannot be held on the scheduled date because of protests in the terai and hill regions of Limbuwan and Khumbuwan.
Sources said commissioners will accept moral responsibility for failure to hold elections and resign.
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Naked Indian intervention; agreement to postpone elections

By Dipak Pandey in Dhristi

Kathmandu, 26 Feb: A secret agreement has been reached between Nepali Congress and agitating terai parties to reschedule the 10 April constituent assembly election on Baishak 28 [around 11 May].
Sources told Dhristi Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koiorala and leaders of Madesh Loktantrik Morcha reached the agreement to reschedule elections midnight Sunday at the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.
The prime minister has given assurance he will convince leaders of the seven parties at their meeting where he will present the proposal.
Front proposed rescheduling by one month saying they aren’t against elections but an environment has to be created for it.
Sarbindra Nath Dukla told Dhristi discussions were held to hold elections on 28 Baishak.
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