Maoists demand to declare country republic prior to CA polls

The central committee meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal - Maoist (CPN-M) Sunday concluded passing an agenda that the interim parliament declare a republican set up before setting a new date for the elections of the constituent assembly.

Talking to the journalists after the meeting which had started at 7:15 this morning at party headquarters at Buddhanagar, CPN-M Chairman Prachanda said that eight parties had already agreed that a two-thirds majority of the parliament could formally declare the nation a republic.

He further said that it had already been agreed that a two-thirds majority of the parliament could formally declare the nation a republic, and added he was pretty sure in this regard (that the parliament can garner a two-thirds majority).

The five day long meeting has also decided to push for a republican setup through the "streets, parliament and the government".

The CPN-M meet has also reached an accord to push back the date for the CA elections on the condition of a republic announcement.

Prachanda further informed that no decision has been reached regarding the Maoist's exit from the government, and that the party would hand the authority to the top leadership if such decision became necessary.

Following the Election Commission's letter to the government for the polls deferral, the CPN-M has already begun putting pressure to declare country a republic through the parliament.

Earlier, the Maoists had warned of fresh round of struggle in the case CA elections were not held on time
Meanwhile, the Maoists are also tabling a proposal to declare a republican set up in today’s meeting of the ruling eight political parties.

The commission on Saturday had officially stated that owing to lack of the necessary election laws, polls were not possible on June 20 -- a date that was agreed upon by the eight-party leaders.