Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday held a meeting with Election Commissioners to discuss the preparations for holding the local level elections in two phases. 

It has been learnt that PM Dahal, during the meeting, put forward the proposal for holding the local level elections —earlier slated for May 14—in two phases. 

In response, the Election Commission (EC) officials said they would finalise about two-phase election only after holding discussions. 

According to Secretary at EC Gopinath Mainali, the Election Commissioners ruled out the possibility of updating the voter roll before the local level elections. “The commissioners told the government that the newly registered parties can’t be given election symbol,” said Mainali.  

The meeting with Election Commission officials was held in order to implement the agreement reached between the government and Sanghiya Gathabandan—which comprises the newly formed Rastriya Janata party. 

The government on Saturday reached an agreement with Sanghiya Gathabandan to hold the local level elections in two phases. The agitating alliance of Madhes-based parties agreed to take part in the election on Saturday after the ruling parties agreed to address their concerns through constitutional amendment.