The CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre)-led left alliance is struggling to agree on division of constituencies, with both the parties unwilling to relinquish on their claims. 

Out of the 128 constituencies in 45 districts, where the election is scheduled to take place on December 7, the alliance is facing difficulty in managing constituencies of five districts.

According to UML sources, division of constituencies in Chitwan, Jhapa, Salyan, Udaypur and Sunsari has remained undecided. 

On Saturday, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had taken charge of finalising constituencies after the UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokhrel-led taskforce, mandated to finalise the division of constituencies, urged the party unification coordination committee to take a final call in the districts having issues. 

A UML Standing Committee meeting on Sunday was centered at finalising the names of PR as well as FPTP candidates for the second phase of provincial and federal polls. 

“Both the parties are having internal meetings and are close to sealing a deal. It has been difficult to manage a few constituencies as there are hopefuls with solid base,” said Surya Thapa, deputy head of UML’s Central Publicity Department. 

The meeting, which continued late into night, could not finalise on the matter at the time of going to press. 

Sources informed the Post that the UML and Maoist Centre had agreed to divide 72 and 33 seats respectively in the federal assembly. Four seats have been left for 

independent candidates contesting the polls using an election symbol of either of the parties.      

In Chitwan-2, UML leader Krishna Bhakta Pokhrel and Maoist leader Ram Bahadur Thapa are at the loggerheads. Staking its claim over the constituency, the UML said that it had supported Dahal in Chitwan-3. It has also argued that Thapa’s candidacy would affect Dahal.

While the two forces have divided equal number of seats in Province 2, they are yet to decide on separation of particular constituencies. 

They are also struggling to finalise the candidacy for Dang-2, with senior UML leader Shanker Pokhrel and Krishna Bahadur Mahara each staking claim to the constituency.

A constituency in Jhapa district too has remained contentious as the UML asking the Maoist Centre to swap it over with Udayapur. Maoist Centre leader Surendra (Ram) Karki is eyeing the seat. 

Vote garnered in the recently held local polls as well as the second Constituent Assembly elections and popularity of candidates are among the factors taken into account while dividing constituencies at a 60:40 ratio as agreed by the UML and the Maoist Centre respectively.