KATHMANDU, Jan 4: In a bid to finalize the Transitional Justice Bill, the UML has reportedly been approached with the prospect of forming an alliance in the upcoming National Assembly member elections.
As the Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Third Amendment) Bill 2079 awaits parliamentary approval, and with no consensus among major parties, the Maoist Center, a part of the ruling coalition, is purportedly considering offering some seats to the UML in the National Assembly.
With the terms of nine National Assembly members from the UML ending soon, including those nominated by the President, ongoing discussions within the ruling coalition about seat-sharing have yet to yield an agreement. Prime Minister and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is employing a strategy to engage the UML and ensure the passage of the Transitional Justice Bill through the next session of parliament.
Ruling alliance finalizes allocation of seats for national asse...
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In a Wednesday meeting of the ruling coalition parties, Dahal discussed the potential participation of the UML in the National Assembly. However, further discussions and clarifications on UML's demands were deemed necessary.
An official from the CPN (Unified Socialist) stated, "The Maoists attempted to involve the UML in National Assembly participation with conditions among the power coalition parties."
This proposal has caused dissatisfaction within the coalition, with sources suggesting that the Nepali Congress remained silent, while the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) expressed displeasure. Nevertheless, the UML is devising a strategy to collaborate with any party within the alliance.
A UML leader mentioned that the matter is open for discussion, and the party is prepared to form an alliance if it doesn't secure any seats independently.
Prime Minister Dahal's strategy appears to be aimed at misleading the UML and ensuring the passage of the transitional justice bill through the next parliament session, with the condition of an unconditional alliance. The UML contends that national interests require cooperation due to emerging regressive and revivalist forces. Ongoing discussions between UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and the Prime Minister are expected to shape the evolving dynamics.
UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam stated that the UML is open to discussions but cannot accept any conditions in the name of cooperation. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing at the top level, and no formal proposal has been received from the ruling coalition.
A secretariat meeting has been called by UML on Thursday to discuss the proposed cooperation with the ruling party in the National Assembly. As discussions continue, the unfolding dynamics between UML and the ruling coalition are anticipated.
