Maoist authorizes Dahal to take decisions on presidential election

KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Center) has authorized party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to take decisions on behalf of the party on the presidential election.

A meeting of the party’s office-bearers held at party headquarters on Monday authorized Dahal to hold needful discussions with other parties and reach a consensus, according to party spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

“The party’s stance on forging a national consensus on presidential status is still there. The President will now take a final decision by ensuring that the party’s interest is protected,” Mahara added.

Mahara also said that the time and scenario since the formation of the government on December 25 have changed. “Protecting the constitution and republican system, and taking the peace process to a logical conclusion is our ultimate goal. We can forge cooperation with any party that shares our goals. We have said that there should be national consensus,” Mahara added.

Coalition partner, CPN-UML, however, has been saying that it should get the post of President as per the agreement reached earlier. Maoist Center, on the other hand, has been saying since Nepali Congress gave its vote of confidence to Chairman Dahal the presidential candidate should also be acceptable to it.

Earlier on Sunday, Nepali Congress leaders met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and made a formal request to support the party’s candidates in the presidential election.

The Election Commission is holding the election for the post of President on March 9.