A meeting of the High-level Political Committee formed to assist in government functioning decided on Monday to make a final consultation with the opposition Nepali Congress to seek consensus in electing the new President.

The ruling parties, however, have set riders for reconsidering their present position. The conditions include NC’s immediate participation in the government and an agreeable candidate for presidential election.

Leaders attending the meeting held at Prime Minister KP Oli’s residence in Baluwatar said they were open to seeking a consensus candidate for the top post if the NC agrees to their conditions.

“Parties can rethink their position if the NC comes up with a candidate committed to implementing the new constitution,” said a leader attending the meeting.

Ruling party leaders, however, categorically refused to seek consensus in the name of NC President Sushil Koirala and former Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi or retaining President Ram Baran Yadav for another term. The meeting mandated HLPC head Pushpa Kamal Dahal to discuss the matter with the NC before filing nominations in Parliament on Tuesday.