Rupandehi, August 29 :

General secretary of the CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal said today that elections to a Constituent Assembly (CA) would be held by mid-June.

Inaugurating a two-day Lumbini zonal training in Butwal today, Nepal called on the government to appoint officials at the election commission and start updating voters’ list.

The CPN-UML would launch a nationwide awareness campaign on a loktantrik republic from September 5. “There is no future for a ceremonial king in the country,” Nepal said, directing the party workers to build popular opinion against the monarchy.

“The parliament would approve of the interim constitution once the parties approve of it,” Nepal said.

It would be better to hold a referendum along with the CA elections to determine the place of monarchy,” he said, adding, “Such a move would help expedite the promulgation of a new constitution,” said Nepal.

“The international community supports the idea of holding a referendum on the future of monarchy,” Nepal said, adding, “Nepali Army and police should be ready for the same.”

Nepal urged the government to maintain the rule of law in the country.

Meanwhile, inaugurating Team Media Nepal (Rupandehi) in Bhairahawa today, Nepal said the government has not been able to perform as per the expectations of the people.

The NHRC should be revived at the earliest to monitor the violation of the Ceasefire Code of Conduct and human rights situation, he said, calling for an end to murder, torture and extortion. Stressing the need to democratise the army, he called on the army to work in a transparent manner by snapping its link with the palace.