Local polls should be held before May 18: UML Chair Oli

KATHMANDU, Feb 2: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that the incumbent government should hold the elections on the date recommended by the Election Commission. 

Addressing a Secretariat meeting of the party on Wednesday, Chairman Oli said that holding an election is not a matter of the government’s choice but an obligation. 

 “The government should have made necessary preparations to hold the polls by mid-March to abide by the letters and spirit of the constitution,” said Oli, adding, “We drew the attention of the government time and again, however, the government engrossed in power-sharing rather than implementing the constitution and democratic practices.”

Oli's statement comes at a time when the poll body has been urging the government to announce the date of the poll at the earliest as the local representatives are completing their tenure on May 19.