Nepal PM consults with EC officials

{image-G P_ Koirala03_01012008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Kathmandu, Jan 1: A day after the Maoists re-entered into the cabinet vowing to work for holding constituent assembly elections, Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala met with officials of the Election Commission (EC) today.

The EC officials including the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Bhoj Raj Pokharel held discussion with Mr Koirala regarding the preparations for the polls, Nepal News reported. During the meeting, EC asked the government for 90-day duration once all legal provisions are finalised. The EC also told the Nepal PM that the government needs to improve the security situation in terai, activate all state mechanisms for the polls and supply adequate resources on time.

The EC officials further asked the government to maintain a seven-party mechanism until the polls are held and keep polls at the top of the government's priority 'to do' list.

Through the third amendment in the interim constitution, the seven parties have agreed to hold the constituent assembly by mid-April this year. The polls have been postponed for two times in the past.

UNI