KATHMANDU: Although the CPN-UML has proposed Bidhya Bhandari as the new President, the UCPN-M said it would decide whether to back her or not after holding talks with other parties, including the main opposition party, the Nepali Congress.

“UML leaders on Wednesday proposed Bhandari as presidential candidate. We, however, reminded the UML leaders that there was a gentleman’s agreement to provide the post to NC. In the new context, we want UCPN-M leader Amik Sherchan for the post,” said UCPN-M spokesperson Dinanath Sharma.

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Meanwhile, a meeting of office-bearers of the Nepali Congress, held on Wednesday at the residence of NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat, decided to contest elections for the posts of President, Vice-president, Speaker and Deputy Speaker. It will decide the candidates by holding consultations with other supporting parties, said Acting Chief Secretary of the party Pradip Parajuli in a statement.

“We will decide whether to field our own candidate or support other parties who back the NC for these posts only after holding consultations with them,” said the NC spokesperson Dilendra Badu.

The names of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur and former chairman of council of ministers Khila Raj Regmi are also being considered for the post of President, according to UCPN-M spokesperson Sharma.

The Parliament Secretariat is preparing to begin the process of electing President and Vice President immediately after Dashain festival on October 27.