Republic to be mentioned in statute

PR percentage to go up - Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, Dec 14 - Coming close to consensus on core political differences that dominated national politics for months, three major parties in the ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA) have reached an understanding to set a fresh date for Constituent Assembly elections on Friday.

Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist) leaders agreed to incorporate a term in the interim constitution to reflect the spirit of "Loktantrik Republic" and increase the proportional representation seats, as points of consensus, said UML leader Jhala Nath Khanal.

They have agreed to go for full-fledged implementation of a republic only after the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. The PM will work as head of state until the CA's first meet, according to Khanal.

On the electoral system, they have agreed to readjust the proportion of seats between proportional system and first-past-the-post.

"Possibly it will be 55:45 as the communist partners are ready for a 60:40 ratio," said a participant. The parties have agreed to guarantee all unrepresented groups at least one seat by increasing the seats under the proportional representation system.

Home Minister Sitaula claimed no difference persists on the major issues but agreement will be reached only after discussion with all allies in the coalition at Friday's SPA meet.

Maoists agreed in the meeting to implement strictly the terms mentioned in the Comprehensive Peace Accord and Nepali Congress leaders reciprocated by agreeing to ensure release of funds for the cantoned People's Liberation Army personnel immediately. It is almost one year since the PLA entered the camps but they have received salary for only four months because the government froze further amounts alleging that their leaders failed to implement the CPA. The Maoists are ready to receive the amount after deducting the amount for the disqualified and deserters.

Party leaders have expressed their commitment to immediately search for missing persons, and provide relief to family members of all the people killed during 10 years of insurgency.

They have agreed to categorically mention the points to be followed by each party when they sign an agreement possibly on Friday. During Thursday's meeting, party leaders reviewed their performance with regard to implementing past accords and understandings and delivery by the government.

However, none of the parties raised the issue of a cabinet reshuffle as claimed by leaders in public forums. PM Koirala has already asked the UML and Maoist leaders to shun talking about a reshuffle based on a new power equation.

Posted on: 2007-12-13 21:28:16 (Server Time)