National
Second phase election postponed for June 23
A cabinet meeting on Monday postponed the second phase of local level election to June 23.A cabinet meeting on Monday postponed the second phase of local level election to June 23.
Energy Minister Janardan Sharma confirmed the postponement of the second phase of election.
A meeting of top leaders of three major parties and agitating Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJP-N) in PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's residence in Baluwatar had agreed in principle to push the date of election.
PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in the meeting, had proposed to postpone the date to ensure participation of RJP-N. Main opposition UML also showed flexibility to postpone election if it ensured participation of the agitating Madhes-based party.
The Sanghiya Gathabandhan, a unified force of six Madhes-based parties led by RJP-N, had announced various protest programmes aimed at foiling the June 14 local election. The agitating alliance had been pressing the government to defer the date of second phase of election.
With the first round of local elections successfully held on May 14, clouds of uncertainty were hanging over the second phase of elections to be held in 41 districts of Provinces 1, 2, 5 and 7 following announcement of the protests.