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Special House session may be marred by indecision

Views expressed by the leaders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist) indicate that the special session of the Interim Legislature Parliament beginning October 11 may be marred by bitter contention between these two parties over the issues of republic and proportional election system.

According to senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai, his party will push for announcement of republic and adoption of proportional representation-based election system, the two main demands of the Maoists.

Bhattarai told a radio station that the elections were suspended as the parties agreed to address the issues at the special session of the parliament. He also claimed that proportional system and announcement of republic will pave the way for meaningful election to constituent assembly.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress vice-president and peace minister Ram Chandra Poudel has hinted that the NC is unlikely go for announcement of republic and proportional election.

“We have to wait for the special session to begin to see what kind of solution comes out. I’m not so sure [of a solution]... if they [Maoists] stick to their position,” he told Kantipur TV.

“What do they [Maoist] intend to do now? Start implementing republic [if announced from the House] or hold the constituent assembly election?” Poudel questioned, giving a hint that the NC is not confident about republic before the polls.

“Nepali Congress is not going to compromise individual freedom,”
Poudel reiterated the NC’s stance in favour of mixed election system.

Sharp differences have surfaced in the seven-party alliance due to lack of a tacit understanding regarding the decisions the special House session is to take. On the other hand, the CPN (UML), another key ally of the seven-party alliance, has not made clear its position over the Maoist demands.

Maoist chairman Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala are to hold a meeting Saturday morning in an attempt to iron out their differences. nepalnews.com mk Oct 05 07

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