KATHMANDU: Nepal’s interim government yesterday urged political parties not to boycott long-awaited elections set for November that have raised hopes of stability in the Himalayan nation.
Nepal’s chief justice, who heads the caretaker government, called on parties to meet officials and resolve any concerns about the November 19 polls, amid fears of a boycott.
“Our main task is to hold elections in a free and fearless manner,” chief justice Khilraj Regmi said in a nationally televised speech.
“Therefore especially I urge the political parties to discuss their issues with us and help us create an election-friendly environment,” Regmi said.
The interim government set a date for the polls late on Thursday following months of political deadlock that has hampered the country’s recovery after a decade-long civil war.
Political commentator Tilak Pathak said it was unclear whether all of the major parties would agree to take part, since they were focused on fixing internal party problems.
“All major parties are battling with internal factionalism and dissents,” Pathak said.
Nepalese politics has operated in a legislative vacuum since May 2012 when the old parliament was dissolved without producing a constitution, aimed at healing deep divisions over the conflict, amid political disagreements.
AFP
