The alliance is of the view that there could be agreement on the delineation of federal units if discussions among parties are reopened. Alliance leaders say it would be best to promulgate a new constitution with delineation of federal units.

According to alliance leaders, the tasks of discussions on preliminary draft of the new constitution and discussions on demarcation will go simultaneously.

The 16-point deal signed by four major parties on June 8 states that there shall be eight provinces in the new set up. The agreement further states that a federal commission will be set up to finalise the federal states and federal assembly will take final decision about the names of provinces.

The alliance also decided to register note of dissent on some provisions of constitution. The alliance has differing opinion on the provisions of citizenship, constituency delineation, judicial council and appointment of judges.

In the meeting, alliance members urged UCPN (M) to hold discussions with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML on finding a solution on demarcation. "It would be better to promulgate a new constitution after the settlement of boundaries," said Madhesi Janadhikar Forum- Loktantrik (MJF-L) leader Ram Janam Chaudhary.

The UCPN (M) is under pressure from its allies to stand in favour of promulgating the new constitution only after settling the boundaries.

The meeting was attended by 15 parties having representation in the Constitution Assembly, including UCPN (M) and MJF-L. Three Madhes-based parties—Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party and Sadbhawana Party—however, were absent in the meeting. The three parties had announced their disassociation with the UCPN (Maoist)-led alliance following the 16-point deal.