KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal completed the first round of discussions with the coalition partners in the government and almost all the parties advised the PM that the tenure of the Constituent Assembly could be extended beyond May 28 if progress were made on the ongoing peace process and the first draft of the new constitution were prepared on time.

The PM is in consultation with the fringe parties to seek full commitment to the government backed by the 22 parties in parliament.

“It is still possible to adopt the constitution by May 28 provided that the three major parties — UCPN-Maoist, NC and UML — are serious about it,” said Rajendra Mahato, president of the Sadbhavana Party and Minister for Commerce and Supplies.

He said minute details of the new constitution could be worked out later even after the promulgation of the constitution. The parties must reach an understanding on federal structure and the forms of governance, which, he said, could pave the way for adopting the constitution on time.

The PM, meanwhile, held discussions with leaders of the Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum Nepal-Democratic and Sadbhavana Party at his office in Singha Durbar.

Mahato said the Maoists should be ready to integrate and rehabilitate the UNMIN-verified Maoist combatants before the promulgation of the constitution. “If the Maoist intention is clear the strength of the combatants to be integrated into the national security forces will not be a major irritant,” Mahato said.

“To adopt the new constitution, the CA needs a two-thirds majority which is impossible without the Maoist support,” Mahato said, adding the Maoists would be held responsible in case the constitution did not come on time.

Raghuji Pant, chief political advisor to the PM, also said the Maoist cooperation was indispensable to adopt the constitution. “But the Maoists are blackmailing other parties insisting that the national unity government should be formed under their leadership,” Pant said.