Kathmandu, October 28:

Leaders of major political parties today hoped that tomorrow’s session of the parliament would reach a consensus on the issues raised by the CPN-Maoist, but they could not say how this consensus could be reached at.

“I strongly believe that there will be consensus on the issues of declaration of republic through the parliament and holding election to the constituent assembly through a fully proportionate representation system. There must be a consensus at this moment,” said Dev Gurung, addressing a programme at Reporters’ Club today. He also said that his party had no objection over the new date for the CA election as indicated by the Prime Minister.

“Rather than announcing a new date for the CA election, the Prime Minister should think about making the election a meaningful one. Our party is not talking about the new election date, but we have been demanding that the election should reflect the nature of the entire population,” he said.

He also charged the major parties of trying to avoid the demands raised by the CPN-Maoist. “Declaration of republic through the parliament alone would not be adequate to overthrow monarchy. We may have to go to the constituent assembly and even take to the streets to see the declaration of republic implemented,” he said, adding that the people would not remain mere spectators should the situation deteriorate.

UML leader Bamdev Gautam said that this party would mediate between the Nepali Congress and the Maoists to solve the present political deadlock.

“UML will support the proposal of total proportional representation for the CA election,” he said. “We will not foil the proposals forwarded in the parliament by the CPN-Maoist. We believe we can save our country from a major accident if we go as per the two proposals,” he said. He also added that a meaningful CA election should be held by March next year.

Leader of Nepal Sadbhawana Party Anandidevi, Hridayesh Tripathi said that both NC and the Maoists should find a compromising point and give up some of their stands for the country’s sake. “PR system is the peoples’ demand and party-wise representation will not reflect the diversity of the population in the CA, he said.

Chairman of Janamorcha Nepal, Amik Sherchan, said that the CA election could be delayed once again if PR system is adopted. “I see everything clear and hope things will pass peacefully and lead the country to a peaceful and meaningful election of the constituent assembly,” he said.