Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Chairperson of the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, Upendra Yadav, has said that elections cannot be held without the participation of political parties.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the party’s first provincial unity convention in Madhesh Province in Janakpurdham on Monday, Yadav said that since political parties are the key stakeholders in elections, polls are impossible without their involvement.
Referring to the interim government formed under the principle of necessity, he said its main responsibility is to conduct elections within six months. “But whether it will be able to complete its task is uncertain. It has not moved forward on the path to elections,” he added.
Yadav also criticized the government for failing to hold discussions with political parties regarding the elections. “Elections cannot be held without the participation of political parties. If the government forces an election, it will be no different from the one held under King Gyanendra’s direct rule. The country would only plunge deeper into conflict,” he warned.
According to Yadav, uncertainty among people about elections has deepened confusion and instability in the country.
Stating that there is no alternative to a directly elected executive head, he urged all to make efforts to rewrite the constitution to change the system of governance.
