Efforts continue to end political deadlock

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 25 May: There’s some hope for a breakthrough in a prolonged political deadlock but a solution hasn’t emerged as yet as only four days remain to promulgate a constitution to institutionalize a republic that’s already been declared by an unelected and self-appointed parliament.
Parliament is scheduled to meet Tuesday after main opposition Maoists and ruling parties NC and UML bought time Monday to forge an agreement asking Chairman Subash Nemwang to adjourn a legislative meeting scheduled to begin debate on an amendment to the interim constitution.
Government has registered a bill in parliament to amend he interim constitution to extend the two-year mandate of the constituent assembly (CA) by one year after its two-year term ends Friday.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday briefed President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on the latest political developments, including the extension of the CA tenure and an emerging political and constitutional crisis.
His aide said the premier won’t resign as demanded by the Maoists to make way for a united national government..
“He has a majority in parliament. He won’t resign,” Senior Political Advisor Raghuji Pant said reiterating a package deal to break the prolonged deadlock.
Maoists Monday didn’t close doors Monday to a solution to end the crisis following a meeting of the central committee which unanimously decided the CA shouldn’t be dissolved.
“’The CA shouldn’t be dissolved under any circumstance; it should be kept alive,” Chairman Prachanda said at the end of the four-day meet. ‘It’s tenure should be extended.
The chairman said the CA shouldn’t be ‘kept in a coma’.
Three parties are scheduled to meet Tuesday to break the impasse.
“The central committee decided the extension of the CA tenure by only ensuring a constitution through agreement,”Prachanda said.
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