22-pt demand helps timely election: Prachanda

Maoist chairman Prachanda has claimed the 22-point demand floated by his party will help create practical ground for timely election to constituent assembly. Talking to state-owned Radio Nepal Tuesday, Prachanda said, “The 22 demands were put forward in order to create ground for timely and meaningful election, and to make sure that the election does not end up being a drama.” Speaking further, Maoist strongman blamed the Nepali Congress, the leader of the coalition government, for sheer lack of election preparation.

“We think there is no preparation for the election, and the leading party in the government is not clear in its political vision,” he said, “This amplifies our suspicion that attempts are being made to prevent the CA election from taking place on time.” Prachanda also reiterated that the media misreported his remarks on the election and claimed that he never suggested postponement of the November 22 election. His remarks expressed during an interaction with representatives of the civil society and the academia last week had drawn sharp reaction from different quarters. “My views were simply meant to stress on timely election,” the Maoist strongman added.

On 20 August, the Maoist party had came up with 22 demands which include announcement of republic before the polls, formation of an inquiry commission on involuntary disappearances, roundtable conference of all sections of the society including Janajatis and Madhesis, release of political detainees, start of the process for integrating the People's Liberation Army within the Nepali Army by forming a special cabinet committee, withdrawal of army from the royal palace, nationalisation of the properties of King Gyanandra. With these demands, the Maoists have announced a series of protest programmes over the next couple of months.

Source: Nepalnews.com, August 28, 2007