The main opposition CPN-UML has insisted that the Local Level Elections must be held in a single phase.

The CPN-UML has shrugged off the idea of holding elections in two phases at a time when ruling coalition parties are pitching for two-phase polls owing to Morcha’s stand that it won’t participate in elections unless their demands were met through constitution amendment.

The UML’s standing committee meeting in the Capital on Monday reviewed elections and concluded that the idea of conducting elections in two phases was to extend the tenure of government and that UML would not support such proposal.

“The local polls should be held across the country on May 14. This is a prearranged decision of the party and UML would not support anything against it,” said UML’s publicity department Chief Yogesh Bhattarai after the meeting.

The meeting also discussed the government’s preparation to amend the constitution that aims at curtailing the rights of local entities. UML said it does not support such proposals too.

“Prime Minister has not held any clause-wise and deep deliberations pertaining to constitution amendment with the UML. On the contrary, PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s claims that consensus has been forged with UML is utterly wrong. We appeal to the general public not to be misled by such baseless rumours,” read a statement issued after the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by CPN-UML’s acting Chairman Bam Dev Gautam as incumbent Chairman KP Sharma Oli has gone to Thailand for medical check-up.