The government is likely to appoint provincial chiefs and to name the temporary venues for the swearing in of newly elected provincial parliamentarians, on Wednesday.

For the provincial assembly members to be able to cast their ballot in the National Assembly elections scheduled for February 7, they have to be administered the oath by the respective governor within the next four days.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba postponed the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning in his bid to reach consensus with the CPN-UML, the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal and the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal.

People from diverse backgrounds like security, administration, social service and education are being considered for appointment to the seven coveted posts created for the first time after the new constitution enshrined the federal republican order two years ago. The PM has a long list of candidates who have yet to be short-listed, said an aide to Deuba. The PM is said to be consulting with senior leaders from the Nepali Congress and other parties before taking a final decision.

If the four forces fail to suggest the names for appointment, the government would take a unilateral decision. The PM is in touch with Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and second-rung leaders of the UML in order to avoid disputes in the appointments.

Deuba is said to be for appointing two governors each as recommended by the NC, the UML and the Maoist Centre while the one in Province 2 would be suggested by the two Madhes-based parties.

Commerce Minister Meen Bahadur Bishwakarma confirmed that the Cabinet would take the two crucial decisions on Wednesday.