Even as discussions over three consecutive days failed to resolve outstanding issues, CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Maoist Centre) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal are preparing to renew their commitment to party unification in the near future.

The Party Unification Coordination Committee has scheduled an event at the City Hall on Sunday to mark the establishment day of Nepal Communist Party.

The left alliance’s plan to announce the merger on Sunday by organising a mass meeting failed after Maoist Centre leaders demanded further deliberation on some of the major issues. On Sunday, PM Oli and Maoist Chair Dahal are expected to voice commitment to party unification in the near future.

“The ongoing talks between the two leaders did not lead to announcement of the merger date but negotiations have reached a new level,” said Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

Oli and Dahal are addressing Sunday’s programme in the Capital to communicate their resolve to unify the two parties within weeks.

Fearing domination by the UML rank and file, Maoist leaders are pressing for an equal share in the unified outfit and a respectable position for Dahal while mentioning the Maoist-led “People’s War” in party documents.

Dahal is said to be seeking clarity on the roles of the two top leaders in the interim arrangement when the new party has two co-chairmen. He wants assurance of his leadership after the unity convention if Oli is to continue as the prime minister.

The Maoist Centre has called a headquarters meeting on Sunday morning to discuss issues that figured in the recent interactions between the two chairmen.

Leaders claimed that Oli maintained a rigid stance against the demands freshly put forth by the junior left ally, adding that party unification could be delayed further. Sources said the UML leadership was perceived to be exerting pressure on Maoist leaders as “they don’t have many options”.