CHITWAN: Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat expressed his belief that the agitating Madhes–based parties would participate in forthcoming local level elections slated for May 14.

Speaking to mediapersons in Chitwan district on Satruday, Minister Mahat claimed that the agitating forces would participate in the elections as the incumbent government had registered new Constitution amendment bill and also intensified talks with the United Democratic Madhesi Front.

Mahat said he was confident that the local elections would be held on the scheduled date in a single phase.

The Nepali Congress leader also informed that the government had completed necessary preparations for holding the elections successfully.

On a different note, Mahat opined that President Bidya Devi Bhandari's recent state visit to India has helped strengthening Nepal-India bilateral ties.