Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has claimed that the parties are close to a deal on major issues facing the country, including constitution amendment and holding the elections.

He said that the relationship between the major parties including the main opposition CPN-UML and the agitating Madhesi forces was improving and that constructive discussions were taking place between them.

Talking to some reporters in Baluwatar on Saturday evening, Dahal, however, refused to elaborate on the issues of constitutional amendment arguing that revealing the substance of the progress would affect the ongoing formal and informal negotiations.

The PM also said his government had been working hard to ensure timely local elections. The Election Commission has demanded four months for preparations. The Local Level Restructuring Commission, whose report is key to holding the polls, is to submit its recommendations within mid-November so that the elections may be held in March-April.