KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has clarified that it could not award the election symbol "Umbrella" to Madhesh-centric political party- Rastriya Janata Party for it to contest the third phase of local level election in Province No 2 on September 18.

Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav shared that the EC apprised leaders of the ruling parties Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-Maoist Centre and RJP of this matter in a meeting held at Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar, on Sunday.

The meeting had concluded that the RJP could obtain any electoral symbols chosen by the six Madhesh-centric parties before it merged into one to contest the upcoming election, according to NC senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel.

The EC will also deliberate on whether it could publish ballot paper with an electoral symbol representing the unified parties and will do the needful towards this end by Monday.

Meanwhile, the separate meeting of the leaders of ruling parties and RJP held Sunday itself concluded to forward the constitution amendment bill for voting on Tuesday, according to Raj Kishore Yadav, member of the RJP presidium.

Yadav added that the meeting also dwelt on launching relief and rescue operation in all flood-affected areas across the Terai districts at war footing.