Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ayodhi Prasad Yadav has claimed that the two-phase elections would not be halted under any circumstances.

Speaking at a programme organised in Kavre on Tuesday, Yadav expressed his confidence that all the political parties would take part in the elections.

“We always have to think about positive things,” he said, adding, “I hope that Madhesi parties will also participate in the elections.”

Whether or not the political parties would succeed in forging consensus on constituent amendment proposal, he said that the elections would be held on the announced date of May 14.

He said that the date for the second phase elections was announced on the basis of the agreement between the government and the Sanghiya Gathabandan. Madhesi Morcha expressed its readiness to participate in the elections after the government decided to endorse a revised constitution amendment bill.

The main opposition party CPN-UML and some Madhesi parties, however, have been expressing dissatisfaction over the decision of the Election Commission to hold the elections in two-phase.

When enquired about the unveiling of budget on the announced date as per the constitutional provision, CEC Yadav said that the problem should be resolved through amendment.

The government had decided to bring in the budget on May 29.

The election body has not been able to provide election symbols to newly formed Rastriya Janata Party and Naya Shakti Nepal, among other parties, due to legal hurdles.