Kathmandu: Nepal's election commission has stepped up pressure on the government to move fast to find solutions to the political problems that could create major security obstacles in the holding of the key Constituent Assembly polls on April 10.

Expressing concern over the prevailing security environment in the country, Nepal Election Commission has urged the government and the ruling party alliance, to settle the political problems, particularly in the Terai plains bordering India. During a meeting with a Parliamentary committee, Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokharel urged the government and the major parties to find a way out of Terai problem and improve security across the country, officials here said.

He underline the need to resolve the Terai issue before February 13, the deadline set by the three major Madhesi groups for fulfilling their demands. "The government must resolve the issues related to Madhesis and ethnic communities within three days and at the same time improve security situation to make sure that the polls take place on time and in a free and fair manner," a press release issued by the EC said.

He also asked the political parties to strictly abide by the election code of conduct. Nepali Congress (NC) Acting President Shushil Koirala and leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) Dinanath Sharma among others were present on the occasion. Three regional parties based in Nepal's Terai plains yesterday came together to step up pressure on the government to fulfill their demands for greater economic and political rights, including more autonomy for the the Madhesi community.

Source : PTI