Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) activists staged demonstrations in various Tarai districts on Tuesday in protest of  the government announcement of the date for local level elections. A Cabinet decided to hold the local level elections on May 14.

The SLMM cadres staged demonstrations by burning tyres in day time and taking torch rallies in the evening in several districts, including Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Saptari, Kapilvastu. The SLMM, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has been demanding to amend the constitution before the local polls.

The SLMM reaction to the government’s declaration of the poll date for the local level elections was swift. Within hours of the declaration on Monday evening, the Morcha announced a series of protest programmes.

The Morcha cadres organised a torch rally on the eve of Madhes Banda slated for Wednesday.

In Birgunj, Sadbhawana Party staged demonstrations at Ghantaghar area by burning tyres. The protesters also chanted slogans against the three major parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre)—and burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 

The Madhes-based parties expressed discontent at the government decision, saying it was irresponsible to hold elections before the constitution amendment.

“Elections have no relevance before the amendment. Madhes is being provoked for conflict by announcing the election date,” said Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal’s Kalaiya Municipal Chairman Binod Barai, adding, “Elections are necessary but only after the amendment.”

In Rajbiraj, the district headquarters of Saptari, the SLMM activists took out a torch rally in protest of the government decision. The rally began from Shiva Temple and passed around the city before concluding at Neta Chowk. The participants chanted slogans against the government and warned that they would not let any elections to convene if their demands were not met.