Nepal PM consults poll officials, says election date soon

KATHMANDU: The date of the crucial Constituent Assembly election in Nepal would be announced soon, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said, as he met election officials here today to discuss the preparations for the polls.
    
Koirala consulted Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel and other officials of the poll panel in connection with fixing the date for the elections that would decide the future political system of Nepal.
    
The Seven Party Alliance government has already decided to hold the assembly polls by mid-April this year.
    
During the meeting, the Election Commissioners asked the government for a 90-day preparation time once all legal provisions for the elections are completed, officials said.
    
They asked the Prime Minister to improve the security situation in the country, mainly in southern Terai, and activate all state mechanisms for the polls. The poll officials also sought the formation of a coordinating body, comprising the representatives of seven political parties.
   
After holding the meeting of the seven parties, the cabinet is expected to shortly fix the date for the already twice-postponed elections.
    
According to observers, the Maoists' return to the cabinet will create a favourable atmosphere for elections.
    
The former rebels had walked out of the government three months ago and threatened to launch agitation for their demands, which had resulted in postponement of the polls, earlier scheduled for November 22.