Madhav Kumar Nepal won’t contest by-election

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 17 May: Madhav Kumar Nepal said Saturday he won’t contest by-elections.
“I am a person already rejected by the people. I won’t go to the CA through any path. Friends are asking me to contest by-election,” the general secretary of general of CPN-UML who resigned after election defeat from two constituencies said.
“I never imagined I would lose from Kathmandu, Nepal told Naya Patrika.
Nepal admitted going for election without disarming Maoists was a mistake.
“We never considered we were going empty-handed and contesting a party backed by a para-military force and armed PLA. We never considered the opposition would stoop so low and use every possible means. We shouldn’t have gone for elections,” Nepal admitted.
CPN-UML, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and the Election Commission pushed elections along with India and USA even though there was no environment for the vote.
‘We had heard, Maoists were at the end agreeable to seat adjustment for 35 seats,” Nepal said.
“Some were even concerned white saris might have to be bought,” Nepal said recounting an atmosphere of fear created by Maoists ahead of elections.
Nepal said an ‘environment of confidence’ hasn’t been created for handing power to Maoists who have emerged as the largest party in the 601-member CA..
‘I felt let’s form a caretaker government. But an environment of confidence hasn’t been created. Maoists talk o capturing power. Maoists say one thing at the center but another that’s not followed at the lower level whose decision prevails.” Nepal said.
Nepal called for a ‘constitutional outlet’ and ‘power sharing’ to the present crisis saying a hung assembly has emerged after the election.
“They [Maoists] don’t have a two-third majority- not even a simple majority. How reasonable is it to demand the presidency and ,prime minister? Restraint from them is needed now.
“Yes. They have become the largest party. There’s Congress, CPB-UML and Forum. Maoists have to satisfy all. It would have been good if Girijabahu made way. Power sharing should be sought considering the position of all. Maoists should consider this,” Nepal said.
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