According to the alliance leaders, they are holding negotiation with top leaders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML about their eagerness to join the CA.  UML Chairman KP Oli, who was keen to push constitution drafting process before April 25 Great Earthquake, now has expressed commitment to garner broader support.

The UCPN (Maoist) along with other 19 parties, including Madhes-based ones, are boycotting CA meetings opposing the formation of Questionnaire Committee formed to prepare questionnaires on disputed issues in order to put them on vote.

As the NC and the UML made preparations to promulgate a new constitution on the basis of their two-thirds votes, Maoist along with the Madhes-based and fringe parties are not attending the CA meetings. “We will join CA meeting if there is fundamental agreement among parties to settle contentious issues of new constitution through consensus among parties. If all issues are not settled, we can forward them to Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee which will pave the ground for us to join the CA meeting,” said UCPN (Maoist) Chip Whip Giriraj Mani Pokhrel.

In a meeting with CA Chairman Subas Nembang, a senior Maoist leader conveyed a message that they would join the CA Process if Sunday’s CA meeting is postponed for some days. Following the request, the CA meeting has been postponed for five days.

The UCPN (Maoist) is holding consultations with Madhes-based parties and fringe parties represented in the 30-party alliance. “If there is an agreement among parties on contentious issues, we will join the CA meeting as no further discussions will be required,” said Prem Bahadur Singh, spokesperson of the 30-party opposition alliance.

In a meeting of the 30-party alliance, UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said they should adopt flexibility on the number of provinces. He also said that as parties are nearing consensus on electoral system, judiciary and form of government, the opposition should revisit its position on federalism.

“An appropriate ground has been prepared to promulgate the new constitution on the basis of consensus and positive discussions are under way with ruling parties,” a leader quoted Dahal as saying in the meeting.  

Even after absence of opposition parties, the CA has already completed the tasks of preparing questions on eight disputed issues.  

In a meeting with chief whips of major parties, Nembang requested leaders to settle contentious issues within next four days and the parties have also expressed commitment to do the same within the next couple of days.

Talking to reporters on Sunday, Nembang said the constitution could be promulgated within mid-July if parties reach an agreement on contents of the statute.