The main opposition CPN-UML has demanded formation of Constituency Delimitation Commission (CDC) at the earliest for holding the provincial and federal parliamentary elections within the deadline set by the constitution. 

A Standing Committee (SC) meeting of the party chaired by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Sunday stated that 165 constituencies should be set up in line with the provision in the constitution.

The UML’s decision comes days after the ruling coalition discussed a possibility of increasing the number of parliamentary members. As per the constitutional deadline, the government needs to hold the provincial and the federal parliamentary elections by January 21, 2018. 

Article 84 of the constitution states that the House of Representatives shall consist of 275 members, of which 165 should be elected through the first-past-the-post electoral system—with one being elected from each of the 165 election constituencies delimited in the country on the basis of geography and population—and 110 members elected through the proportional electoral system. 

“Reports regarding increasing members of the parliament have drawn our serious attention. The rumour has surfaced with intention of averting the elections and hence we reject it,” the UML statement read.

The party has also directed its committees to involve actively in the process of updating voters list and urged the Election Commission to ensure that people get to register their names in the voters list without hassles. 

The UML has aimed at maintaining its lead in the third phase of local elections scheduled for September 18. The party had triumphed over its archrivals Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) in the first and second round of local elections.

“We are committed to become the number one party in Province 2 as well,” the statement said. “Party committees, party leaders and cadres have been directed to begin preparations for the elections.”

Meanwhile, the party has stated that it will be holding training programmes for the elected local representatives in Provinces 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 by mid-August.