Despite the firm stance that contentious issues should be settled through voting process, top leaders of Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML are positive to take more time for consensus as demanded by opposition front led by UCPN (Maoist).

PDCC Chairman Baburam Bhattarai has already submitted the committee's report mentioning that further discussions are needed to forge consensus on issues of federalism, forms of government, judiciary and electoral system.   

As per the CA calendar, the first draft of the constitution must be prepared by mid-October. It is impossible for the CA to deliver the first draft of the constitution now.

Nembang hinted of amending the CA calendar without affecting the January 22 deadline for constitution promulgation.

UCPN (Maoist) leader Agni Sapkota said discussions are underway to extend the deadline by a week.

Meanwhile, cross-party leaders have said that with the agreement among the parties on formation of political committee and resumption of House, a positive environment has been created for constitution drafting process.

 PDCC is all set to initiate discussions among the parties from Friday on contentious issues of the constitution. On Wedenesday, PDCC Chairman Bhattarai had held talks with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala about the preparations for cross-party talks on contentious issues of new constitution.

Ruling parties are of the view that process of consensus and preparing the questionnaire of disputed issues should be taken hand in hand.  

Opposition parties are saying that some minor issues could be resolved through a voting process but fundamental issues such as federalism and forms of government should be settled through consensus among major stakeholders of 12-point understanding. UCPN (Maoist) has warned that it would take to the streets if the ruling parties try to promulgate the constitution through voting process.