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The Kathmandu Post

Publication Date : 31-01-2013

Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav could initiate the process of setting up an election government led by a neutral candidate if the current political deadlock continues even after the ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)’s seventh general convention, a presidential aide said yesterday.

The head of state is optimistic that the general convention of the largest political party, scheduled to end on February 6, will open up “avenues for an end to the stalemate” by paving way for the formation of a national unity government.

If the impasse prolongs even after the Maoist jamboree, President Yadav will strongly push for fresh Constituent Assembly elections under a neutral candidate, the aide said.

“The president is considering a calculated risk so that the derailed political process is brought back on track through elections,” the aide added.

“We have made an assessment that none of the major political forces will challenge the call for elections.”

Polls can be conducted by June or November if a neutral government is formed, the aide further said.

Yesterday, the President held separate talks with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and top leaders of the four major parties on the progress on the formation of a unity government.