Nepal Maoists plan protests to ensure Nov. polls

KATHMANDU, Aug 12 (Reuters) Nepal's former Maoist rebels said today they would launch a peaceful protest to ensure this year's elections were held on schedule.

Elections are due on Nov. 22 for a constituent assembly meant to draw up a new constitution and decide the fate of the monarchy, which the Maoists want abolished.

The elections are expected to cap a peace process with the Maoists, who have ended their decade-long war against the monarchy in which more than 13,000 people were killed.

''We have our doubts,'' Maoist chief Prachanda told reporters, when asked if he felt the polls would be held on time.

''We want the election on schedule but it is still fraught with uncertainty ... We will launch a peaceful popular protest movement to ensure timely elections.'' He gave no date for the planned protests.

The Maoists have issued such threats in the past to press the government to accede to their demands, but few demonstrations have actually taken place. The government has said it was committed to holding elections on schedule.

Last year the rebels signed a peace deal with the government which was formed after King Gyanendra bowed to weeks of street protests against his absolute rule and handed power back to political parties.

The former Maoists locked up nearly 3,500 weapons in United Nations-monitored containers and joined a multi-party coalition after the government agreed to elections the former rebels say would lead to abolishing the monarchy.

Some Nepali politicians accuse the former guerrillas of continuing violence, kidnappings, extortion and intimidation despite joining the mainstream -- acts they say could disrupt the polls.

But Prachanda said his party was committed to the vote, accusing supporters of the king and some elements in the ruling alliance of trying to sabotage the polls.

''Some forces that believe in the status quo and the reactionaries are trying to disrupt the elections,'' he said.

REUTERS JT RN1953