KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday claimed that people, who he said are more concerned about direct impacts of political changes on their life, would be connected to the federal democratic republic through local elections.

"Election is a campaign, and a movement in itself. All political parties, civic society, journalists, social organisations shall unite to make it a success," he said, "After the election in local bodies, the country's face and people's life will change."

Pointing out the legislative, executive and judicial rights that the Constitution had entrusted to the local bodies, the Prime Minister claimed that the people would realise the essence of federalism and republic and own them after the election, which has been scheduled for May 14.

"After local elections, when people will get citizenship, passport, laalpurja (landownership certificate) in their courtyard, and mobilise their resources on their own then only they will understand the importance of republic and federalism and own them."

He was speaking at a function, organised at the Press Council Nepal's premises today, a day after the announcement of date for local elections.

Dahal unveiled a monument built to commemorate journalists who lost their life while on duty.