Elections a certainty but you need to first lay down your arms, Koirala tells Maoists

This, in effect, amounts to rejection of the Maoists8217; insistence that the election to the constituent assembly be declared unconditionally.

While the seven-party alliance for democracy has broadly finalised its common agenda and priority, Maoist leader Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai8217;s statement yesterday declaring continuation of the blockade of the capital and district headquarters came as a setback to the alliance8217;s hopes for a smooth transition to power.

However, Prachanda responded to the alliance8217;s frustration over the Maoists8217; decision by putting off the proposed blockade until Friday. This is being seen as a pressure tactic to claim credit for the inevitable declaration of the Government8217;s commitment to hold elections to the constituent assembly on Friday, the very first sitting of the revived house of parliament.

The Government in the making and the Maoists were also said to be negotiating for an early ceasefire so that negotiation teams could be formed by both sides when the Government formally comes into existence.

The oath of the new council of ministers with representation from all the seven parties is likely to take place latest by Friday.

As the preparation for the historic session was on, Speaker Taranath Rana Bhat resigned from his post today as the alliance felt that he had been supporting the King all along the past three years.

The alliance8217;s feeling was conveyed to Bhat by Koirala this morning. Deputy Speaker Chitralekha Yadav will be elected as the new Speaker, alliance sources said.

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