The left alliance of the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) has warned that they will not accept any move to postpone or change the dates of federal and provincial polls which have been called for November 26 and December 7.

A day after the Supreme Court ruling on separate ballot papers, asking the Election Commission (EC) to present a report on progress made since the court’s earlier ruling on the matter, top leaders of the left alliance said at a press meet in the Capital that they smelt foul play. 

Responding to a contempt of court writ filed by a Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal leader, the apex court on Wednesday observed that the poll body had failed to imbibe the spirit of an earlier ruling that “the poll body but will take serious note of printing separate ballot papers for the two polls under the direct election system”.

“A joint general secretary of a party which is supporting the government filed a writ and the apex court issued an order more than what the petitioner had asked. This has astonished us no end,” said UML Chairman KP Oli. 

“However, there should not be any confusion over polls. We just want to send across a message that any move to defer polls at a time when the election cycle has gained significant momentum will not be acceptable to us,” added the UML chairman.

Addressing the press meet, Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the court ruling “has alarmed us”. 

“The EC had moved ahead with the single ballot paper plan as per major parties’ earlier understanding with the poll body. 

“The prime minister had held meetings with major parties twice to clarify technical issues related to ballot papers,” said Dahal. “ Election commissioners were also present in those meetings when the issues related to ballot papers for the two crucial elections were finalised,” added the Maoist Centre chairman.