Govt mulling to announce election date only after appointment of EC office-bearers

KATHMANDU: As the major political parties have decided to hold the talks by Mid June, the government has decided to announce the election date only after the appointment of office-bearers in the constitutional bodies, particularly the Election Commission (EC).

Speaking to media persons after the cabinet meeting Tuesday, communication minister Madhav Prasad Poudel informed that the government is on homework to form the Constitutional Council for appointment of office-bearers in the constitutional bodies and that the election date will be fixed once the appointments are done.

Along with EC, most other constitutional bodies remain vacant for months. The nomination on Monday of former chief secretary Lok Man Singh Karki, who is accused of suppressing the 2nd people’s movement, has landed in controversy.

Meanwhile, today’s cabinet meeting appointed communication minister Poudel as government spokesperson. The government received full shape on Monday after almost a week. Regmi inducted eight colleagues in his cabinet making the 11-member cabinet. This is the first time the country is being ruled by all ex-bureaucrats.