The main opposition CPN-UML has demanded a concrete roadmap from the government to hold the three levels of elections—local, state assembly and federal parliament—before January 20, 2018.

Blaming the government for not being serious in implementing the constitution, UML Chairman and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli asked the government to immediately table all the laws required to hold the elections in Parliament.

Addressing the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament on Tuesday, Oli claimed that the government has neither held consultations with the parties nor made other preparations to hold the elections. Despite frequent pressure from the Election Commission, the government has not yet tabled a bill to enact a law to hold the elections. The EC has already submitted drafts of five bills related to hold the local elections, but they have not yet been tabled in Parliament. The Constitution of Nepal makes it mandatory to complete all three polls in addition to election for Upper House, President and Vice President by January 20 in the next 16 months.

The government has announced to hold the local level election by March next year, but it has remained silent on the other two elections. “My government had formulated the roadmap which could be implemented. When is the government coming out with one,” Oli questioned the government. Publicising its election roadmap, the erstwhile government had announced to hold local level elections in December 2016, state assembly elections in April-May 2017 and elections to Federal Parliament by December 2017.

In his first address to Parliament after being replaced by Pushpa Kamal Dahal as prime minister, Oli spent much time attacking the government over issues, including PM Dahal’s India visit, his 25-point joint communiqué with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, government’s preparations to amend the constitution and withdrawal of cases against those involved in Tikapur

carnage.

The constitution cannot be amended unless the government proves its necessity, Oli reiterated. “Constitution is an evolving document which can only be amended if people want,” he said. “However, a revision to fulfil someone’s personal interest is not acceptable.” The leader of the main opposition said the government has not yet consulted with it regarding the constitution amendment. He hinted that the UML will not support the amendment and challenged the government to amend without their support. “No constitution in the world is acceptable to all, however, everyone should follow the constitutional supremacy,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when the government is working on amendments in the four points of the constitution to address the concerns of agitating Madhesi parties.

During an hour-long address, Oli also said that the 25-point joint communiqué is a matter of shame to the sovereign country which is the continuation of 1950’s treaty that has attacked in the sovereignty of the state. His main reservation was on the point 10, 11, 12, 13, 20 and 22, which speak about constitution amendment, having similar view with India on some international affairs and having 15 years of contract with Indian Oil Corporation.

He also warned the government against withdrawing the cases of severe human rights violation, including last year’s Tikapur bloodshed where nine people lost their lives. After an hour long attack, he however appeared in a conciliatory mood saying that the UML is always ready to move together with the government in implementing the constitution and resolving the ongoing political deadlock.