ELECTION UPDATE Kathmandu, 25 March: The Election Commission held the first meeting of its office-bearers on Monday and discussed how could the election date be announced as soon as possible by making necessary arrangements in the legal, technical and other aspects, RSS reports. . The meeting reviewed the legal and technical status and further actions needed for the election. However, Spokesperson Anil Kumar Thakur said the election date would be announced only after the political agreement. According to him, the meeting also discussed the obstruction on ongoing voters' registration and how the citizens missed in the voters' list could be included in the list. At the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kanth Upreti said election could be conducted successfully only with cooperation from the government, civil society, political parties, voters and media. He stressed on holding election on time. Similarly, the EC would prepare work schedule for election after holding discussion with all sides concerned. EC Secretary Narayan Gopal Malego and other officials had informed the newly appointed officials about the preparations made so far and the hurdles to clear. Nnnn INTERNATIONAL MEET OF LEFTIST WOMEN BEGINS Kathmandu, 25 March:: CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal has said that Nepali politics has gained some momentum following the March 13 agreement among the major parties, which has also created an atmosphere of elections in the country, RSS reports. . Addressing the international women's conference organised by All Nepal Women's Association (ANWA) here on Monday, Chairman Khanal said reactionary forces would benefit if any political party stays away from elections. He also suggested to institutionalise the women's liberation movement, as equality on the basis of gender was yet to be established despite the country experiencing many changes through the six decades long struggle against feudalism and imperialism. At the programme, Chairperson of ANWA Bidhya Devi Bhandari said the rights of women have not been guaranteed in the absence of economic empowerment of the women community. Chairperson of the Left International Forum of Sweden Anna Margaret Live said the Forum could learn a lot from the women's movement in Nepal. Altogether 40 delegates from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Sweden and host Nepal are taking part in the conference that would discuss challenges and opportunities before women in the participating countries. The conference being held under the theme of 'women and politics together' is to run till March 28. Nnnn UPENDRA YADAV NOT SURE ELECTION WILL BE FAIR Kathmandu, 26 March:: Chairman of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal, Upendra Yadav, has said he was doubtful that present government backed by the big four parties would hold free and fair election, RSS reports. . At a press meet organised by the federal democratic front comprising seven small parties in the capital today, Chairman Yadav said a neutral government was essential to prevent country from becoming a failure, protect the rights achieved so far, formulate people's new constitution through the Constituent Assembly, and hold election in a free and fair atmosphere. A press release distributed at the programme stated that the front was formed to establish federalism with identity, religious secularism and equitable society based on social justice, support oppressed ethnicities, elevate the working class to the ruling partnership and make people sovereign, independent and equal. On the occasion, Chairman of Tharuhat Tarai Party, Bhanuram Tharu, said his party joined the front to struggle for the establishment of Tharuhat. The federal democratic front comprises Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal, Rastriya Madhes Samajbadi party, Tamsaling Nepal Rastriya Dal, Janamukti party Nepal, Nepal Santi Samaj Dal, Nepal Loktantrik Nagarik Party and Tharuhat Tarai party Nepal. nnnn