Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reiterated the government’s commitment to conduct the local level elections slated for May 14 under any circumstances.

Perplexed by the growing suspicion about the conduction of election on the announced date, main opposition CPN-UML acting Chairman Bam Dev Gautam called PM Dahal on Monday to inquire about the election.

According to PM’s press aide Govinda Acharya, PM Dahal assured Gautam that nothing would hamper the local polls. “The elections will be conducted on May 14,” said Acharya quoting Dahal as telling Gautam.

The phone conversation happened at a time when there have been no official meetings between the ruling and opposition parties. UML leaders are concerned over the election’s fate as some ministers have been expressing doubts about the May 14 polls.

The announcement of protests against the elections by Madhesi Morcha and Sanghiya Gathabandhan—alliances of Madhesi and Janajati-based parties—has raised doubts about the successful conduction of elections.

Madhesi leaders from Nepali Congress too have expressed their incertitude over conduction of elections in Province No. 2 and have been sharing their opinions that demands raised by Madhesi Morcha should be addressed.