Kathmandu, January 18

The main opposition party CPN-UML alleged that the government and the ruling parties were not serious about holding elections and implementing the constitution.

A  Secretariat meeting of the UML held at its headquarters in Dhumbarahi concluded that the government would have endorsed election related bills through a fast-track process if it were serious about holding polls and implementing the constitution, UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said.

He said that election was not the government’s priority.

The election related bills have been forwarded to parliamentary committees for clause-wise discussion. He said that the committee might hold the bills for months, which could make it difficult to hold all three types of polls on time as stipulated by the constitution.  According to the constitution, three types of elections — local, provincial and parliamentary — should be held before January 21, 2018.

The meeting also discussed its Mechi-Mahakali campaign strategies. The UML has decided to launch a 15-day Mechi-Mahakali campaign from March 4 targeting the Tarai-Madhes region to strengthen its position.

The party has been launching various programs in Province No 2 to make clear the party’s stand on the constitution amendment bill tabled by the government in the Parliament.