If elections are not held by Falgun 21, Parliament should be reinstated: Barshaman Pun

Kathmandu – Communist Party leader Barshaman Pun has said that the situation of being without a Parliament cannot extend beyond six months.

Speaking at an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday, Pun, representing the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), said that if elections are not held within six months, the alternative would be to reinstate Parliament.

He said, “If the government tries to go beyond six months in a way that is against the Constitution, we will not support it. We have made it clear. If another Parliament does not come within six months, then either the streets will decide or the old Parliament will be reinstated. We are all clear on this.” (Translated from Nepali)

While the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have gone to the Supreme Court demanding the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives if the Falgun 21 election does not take place, the Maoist Centre has also taken the position that Parliament should be restored. (Translated from Nepali)

Pun said that to give the country an exit and stability, political parties must assist the government in completing the elections on the announced date. (Translated from Nepali)

He warned that his party would not accept any attempt by the government to push the election date beyond six months in a way that would violate the Constitution. (Translated from Nepali)

Pun also said that changing laws while preparations are already underway and the election is announced would not be acceptable. “Once a game has begun, you don’t change the rules in the middle. Changing them can bring conflicts,” he said