Kathmandu: Maoist rebel leader turned politician Prachanda said today he would stand for election in key polls set for April that will decide Nepal's political future and formally abolish the monarchy.
The April 10 polls will elect a body that will rewrite Nepal's Constitution, and formally declare the impoverished Himalayan country a republic, ending a 239-year royal dynasty led by unpopular King Gyanendra.
"As a leader of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), I will contest in the upcoming elections," Maoist leader Prachanda, whose nom-de-guerre means "the fierce one," told a news conference. "We will not be defeated in the constituent Assembly elections at any costs. In fact, our party will win a majority," he said.
