Crisis solution (2013)

Since the Delhi Agreement between seven parliamentary parties and the insurgent CPN (Maoist) of 22 November 2005, the people of Nepal have been waiting in vain for the promised realisation of an inclusive democratic system. Although the then putsching monarchy was abolished and a constitution was passed in 2015 after long power struggles between the political parties, even this was the sole work of the exclusively male leaders of the three major parties, predominantly male Bahuns. The appropriate participation of all social groups, as provided for in the interim constitution of January 2007, did not take place. In this respect, the constitution of 2015 even represented in part a step backwards compared to the interim constitution.
Thus, apart from the abolition of the monarchy, not much has changed since the 1990 system. Numerous fundamental human rights continue to be disregarded. There is no inclusion of all social groups. All power and the majority of all state functions are still in the hands of male Tagadharis, especially male Bahuns.  The latter make up only 6 percent of the population, but the identification of the state and its society and culture, in short the nationalist image of the state of Nepal, is still based on the culture and partly narrow-minded, anarchic, patriarchal and socially discriminating view and thinking of this small minority. As long as this state of affairs continues and the failed generation of political leaders of all parties is not replaced by a younger generation that is inclusive, open-minded, receptive and not exclusively oriented towards personal power interests, there will be no end to the crisis situation.

31/12/2013: PR lists submitted amid resentments (kp), Dozen NC central leaders object (kp), Nepali Congress PR lawmakers (list) (kp), NC submits PR list (ht), Cong submits PR list with 67 new faces, by Prakash Acharya (ht), NC picks 91 PR names amid note of dissent, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Dahal hands in names despite deputies’ dissent (kp), UCPN (Maoist) PR list (kp), UCPN-M gives candidates’ names to EC: Bhattarai, Shrestha express dissatisfaction, boycott meeting, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Maoist top brass divided as PR final list submitted, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Spouses, aides in Madhes PR lists (kp), Wives of 3 party chiefs in Madhesi parties' PR lists (rep), RPP-N splits over seat row, by Binod Ghimire (kp), RPP-N splits over PR seats dispute, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Post-poll euphoria fizzles out as RPP-Nepal splits (ht), Ashok Rai party gives EC deadline a miss (kp), CA inauguration row persists (ht), Sit on it: Regmi govt would be wise to leave divisive decisions to elected Parliament (kp), In defense of bandas: General strikes embody elements of peaceful social disobedience that can still be a model for protest, by Ben Conner (kp), Constitution first: If the intent was to give everyone a voice in constitution writing, why was it necessary to go through the election process at all?, by Sukhdev Shah (rep), Hear us too: Youth account to 42 percent of the population but they constitute only eight percent of FPTP winners, by Dipendra K.C. (rep)

30/12/2013: Voices of dissent resound in UML (kp), Deadline to submit PR list today, only 19 submit so far (nn), UCPN-M central office to pick proportional representation candidates (ht), Maoists take forced nod from CC on PR list: 'We were treated like rubber stamps at the meeting', by Ashok Dahal (rep) [Typical for non-democratic procedures of male high caste party leaders!!], Nepali Congress still undecided (ht), NC set to finalize PR list today: Koirala, Deuba to share PR seats in 60:40 ratio (rep) [The PR seats are meant for inclusion of social groups not for internal power games of the parties!!], Nepali Congress submits PR list of 91 CA members (nn), FSPN panel to ready PR list (kp), Hard choices: Finalizing the PR lists (rep), RPP-Nepal splits over PR recommendation row (nn), PR candidates selection: Madhesi parties under pressure to change criteria (ht), 'Women have no say in Madhesi parties', by Jivesh Jha (rep) [This is true for all political parties!!], Struggle in House: Dahal (kp), Democracy with development: Political leaders have fought for democracy but now, their ability to govern will determine their relevance, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp) [Extended non-inclusion cannot be called democracy!!], Secularism a conspiracy between foreign powers, far left, interview with the anti-inclusion Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist hardliner Kamal Thapa (kp), 4-Point Agreement Eases Confrontation, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn)

29/12/2013: 15 groups may be excluded from C: Parties’ closed PR lists don’t have 15 communities including Jirel, Majhi, Kusunda, Raji, Kuswadiya, Baregunle, Tingaunle, Bote, Baram and Larke (kp), NC sets 4 criteria for selection (kp), NC still struggling to finalize PR list, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), UML's PR list ignites ire in party rank and file: Entire Solukhumbu chapter offers resignation, by Thira L. Bhusal  (rep), UML submits PR list to EC: Some dissatisfied voices aired despite unanimity in candidates’ choice (ht), Oli’s sway as UML files PR list (kp) [The UML further turns towards conservatism and Bahunbad!!], On PR list, Maoists to favour new faces (kp), UCPN (M) preps for trade-off with NC: Maoist party ready to support NC-led govt in exchange for plum posts (kp), Maoists warn against  PLA gate demolition (ht), A Marriage Of Inconvenience, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), The way forward: Why don't Madheshis vote for Madheshi parties like they should?, by Ananda Jha (rep), Interesting times: In both India and Nepal people have ousted the largest incumbent parties, by Namrata Sharma (rep)

28/12/2013: Cabinet-prez tussle lands in court: Govt’s CA meet plan challenged (kp), Intra-party talks on to finalise PR candidates: UML picks 56 of 84; NC decision on Monday; UCPN-M list by tomorrow (ht), UML readies PR name list (kp), UML finalizes list of PR candidates for CA, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), 14 parties submit final PR list to EC (rep), RPP finalises PR list (kp), RPP-Nepal leader drags party into court: Seeks legal remedies of anomalies in selection of names of PR candidates (ht), 35,000 officials refuse to file property details, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Madhesi parties in unification talks, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Maoists blame 'internal weakness' for poll defeat: 'Leaders lost touch with masses' (rep), Ex-combatants going abroad for employment, by Rajendra Nath (kp), CPN-Maoist demands CA dissolution, by Dil Bahadur Chhantyal (rep), Squatters pin their hopes on newly elected representatives, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), Lifeline Of Local Democracy, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn), The Power Game, by Gyan Basnet (rn)

27/12/2013: Ordinance moved to convene House: Cabinet puts another on hold, barring transfer of right to call CA meeting from PM to President, by Anil Giri (kp), NC out to form govt with most number of parties: Tough negotiations expected with UML over key portfolios (rep), UCPN (Maoist) in policy review bid: Chunwang decisions termed ‘flawed’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Word to assist NC divides UCPN (M) (kp), Talks to continue today to select PR candidates (nn), To do list: After breaking the political deadlock this week, the main parties need to move swiftly on their checklist (nt), Madhes parties in fresh unity talks (kp), Krishna Adhikari murder case: NHRC urges govt to expedite investigation (ht), New Year expectations For Political Vision, by D. M. Thapa (rn), Stubbornness to reinvent, by Prashaant Singh (rep), PR for PR: Proportional Representation was supposed to give marginalised and underprivileged Nepalis a say, but the new CA will be more exclusive, by Trishna Rana (nt), Think Nepali democracy in 2014, by Surya B. Prasai (nn), Politics: As Uncertainty Plays, by Keshab Poudel (sp), KUSL: Debate on Elections Results (sp), Post Poll Scenario, by Tilak Rawal (sp), "President does not need fresh mandate", interview with Rajendra Mahato (sp), "Everybody needs fresh mandate", interview with Subhash Chandra Nembang (sp), Can One More Election Help Nepal To Be Stable?, by Dhruba Hari Adhikary (sp)

26/12/2013: EC extends deadline by 5 days (kp), EC extends deadline, for third time, till Dec 30 (ht), CA control of political committees sought: 2nd rung leaders against 'infringement', by Thira L. Bhusal (rep) [Stop these lawless politicians! Only the elected members of the CA have to write the constitution, not any unconstitutional comitees of male highcaste politicians!!], Pact brings NC, Maoists ‘closer’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Madhesi leaders upbeat over 4-pt deal, by Jivesh Jha (rep), NC starts post-poll talks with parties (kp), Koirala consults fringe parties (ht 26/12/2013), Pun says UCPN-M ready to back NC from outside to form govt (ht), UML gets to closed-door PR list work (kp), Inter-party competition stalls NC’s PR nominations (nn), Madhes parties scramble to finalise PR name lists, by Pranab Kharel (kp), CPN-ML finalizes PR list (nn), The long view: Parties must approach imminent political  disputes with flexibility and pragmatism (kp), Local leaders feel left behind in lack of elections, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep), Laws on inheritance: Women still fighting for equal rights, by Weena Pun (kp), Gendered woods: Reforms need to be made to Nepal’s highly undemocratic and androcentric conservation sector, by Sangita Thapa (kp), Constitution To Be Promulgated From Smoke-filled Room?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Weave your illusions: It is very hard to say what will happen tomorrow, much less foresee how a whole year leading to the parties' self-imposed deadline for new constitution will pan out, by Biswas Baral (rep), New political body part of CA, interview with Ram Sharan Mahat (rep), Let Congress and UML not be the Cause of National Crisis in Nepal, by Dirgha Raj Prasai (International News)

25/12/2013: PR list submission: Third deadline extension likely today (kp), EC extends PR deadline by five days (nn), When will CA come into effect (ht), Parties confirm 4-pt agreement, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Parties pen four-point pact on Christmas eve: Commit to preparing the draft of a new constitution within six months of the first CA meeting, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Four-point deal opens way for convening CA, new govt: HLPC asks EC to extend deadline for submitting PR lists for five more days, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Bid to form govt comprising top three (ht), UCPN (M) sets criteria for PR candidates, by Ashok Dahal (rep), Bid to form govtCall to save Adhikari couple’s life (kp), Friends and neighbours: Madhesi dissatisfaction with India has been growing since the November 19 election, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Movement for securing Madhesis’ rights: TMNC (ht), Gupta blames splits for defeat of Madhesi parties (rep), Sole PR seat for party chief or better half, by Jivesh Jha (rep), New Issues Push Statute Drafting To Back Burner, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Rising through party ranks tougher for women, by Anjali Subedi (rep)

24/12/2013: Big three in HLPC deadlock:  Big three in HLPC deadlock NC, UML against Maoist proposal to go for fresh polls in 9 months after statute in place (kp), Ugly side of partisan politics comes to fore (ht), Draft deal among big parties near: Oli, Pokharel oppose mechanism outside CA (rep), UML to submit PR list tomorrow (ht), UCPN-M may miss deadline (ht), FSPN, MPRF-N stall PR list to demand vote probe, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Gagan Thapa defends poll win (ht), TMLP keen to forge Madhes alliance (kp), CPN-M revives conflict era structures (kp), EC for local polls by mid-April (rep), Striking a balance: Dialogue and engagement with all parties is the only way towards long-term political stability, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Unearned victory: If GPK's protégés make a comeback we can be pretty sure the Maoists and ethnic entrepreneurs will have the last laugh, by Hari Bansha Dulal (rep)

23/12/2013: Get going (ht), Power-sharing negotiation only after CA formation (kp), NC stakes claim over govt, offers fresh talks, by Binod Ghimire (kp), PR selection still undecided (kp), NC, UML for submitting PR list by Wednesday (rep), ‘Don’t use TRC as a bargaining chip’ (kp), Diminishing differences: Serious discussions on power-sharing could prevent NC-UML differences from worsening (kp), UCPN-M for fresh polls in two years: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML non-committal; HLPC may take final decision, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [There is nothing to decide by an unconstitutional body! This election has only been for constitution writing! The date for the first parliamentary elections has to be decided by the CA and it has to be mentioned in the new constitution!!!], Madhes parties mull alliance for stronger presence in CA, by Jivesh Jha  (rep), ‘CA can meet sans UCPN-M’: Maoists say their demands must first be addressed (ht), CPN-UML fails to woo UCPN-Maoist (ht), NC vows to produce statute within a year, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Constitution will be written within a year or not at all, interview with Narayan Kaji Shrestha (kp), Will Parties Deliver Constitution In 11 Months?, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), The Chinese onion: Unfolding of diplomatic maneuvers to manage CA II promises to be even more captivating than power plays of the previous assembly, by C.K. Lal (rep), Dangerous game: The Maoist demand of review of election process outside established norms is a strategy to undermine rule of law, by Naresh Koirala (rep)

22/12/2013: Dangerous delay: The first sitting of the CA (rep), Parliament's agenda may initially eclipse CA's work: 20 ordinances await endorsement, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Parties in talks to form mechanism: Panel to facilitate statue-drafting, dispute resolution, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Stalemate as NC-UML chasm widens, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Congress, UML to discuss power sharing (ht), No negotiations yet on power-sharing: Dr Mahat, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Prakashman says NC for inclusive government (ht), UML leaders press party to form CA soon (kp), UML, UCPN (M) talks fail to break impasse (nn), UCPN-M will join CA, not govt: Sapkota (ht), 33-party bloc to stay out of CA (kp) [What else? They did not want to be part of CA-II!], 33-party alliance calls for all-sector renewed political agreement (ht), 13pc CA seats for Dalits ‘unlikely’ (kp), Students remove poll campaign materials, by Raj Kumar Karki (kp) [This is unpaid child labour! Students should study. Nepal needs a law that binds the political parties to remove poll campaign materials until a special date after elections under penalty of severe fines!!], NC and CPN-UML to meet PR list deadline (nn), UCPN (Maoist) working on final PR list, by Ashok Dahal (rep), RPP-N brass rules out change in PR list, by Kivesh Jha (rep), No need to elect new prez now, say legal eagles (ht) [???], Radical solutions: Elevating Mohan Baidya to President could placate the dissenting parties, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Votes and prayers: Hindus have to be tolerant to other religions and at the same time, fight for a secular state, by Shreya Paudel (kp), Look inwards: The habit of blaming others has become a quintessential part of our national character, by Chandra Mani Bimoli (kp), NC, UML Must Go Together, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Shoddy treatment riles capital's lower-class Madhesis: Discriminated by hill people, the lower-class Madhesis have no hope from Madhesi leaders, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Freedom and democracy, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep)

21/12/2013: Confusion over 1st CA meet call: Both Prez office and govt want to call first meeting, by Anil Giri and Pranab Kharel (kp) [Article 69 of the Interim Constitution only mentions the PM, not the head of state!!], Defining real business of CA II a tough task: Leaders, officials unclear what to own from CA I, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), UCPN-M sought extension to join Constituent Assembly: Sapkota (ht), Cong leaders stress on ties with UML: Say alliance with Maoists will be against people’s mandate, by Prakash Acharya (ht), NC-led govt will take shape soon, says Sitaula; UML leader against Congress dictatorship (ht), Power-sharing with UML divides NC CWC leaders (kp), Khanal bats for unity government (kp), NC overtures fail to attract Madhes parties, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Interpreting interpretations: It is impossible to define the mandate as a one-dimensional will of people and predict from the results the future political trends, by Dinkar Nepal (rep)

20/12/2013: One month on, parties yet to give full shape to CA, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), [They have been elected to write a new constitution, but they see it as legitimation for continued power games and the maintainance of non-inclusive interests!!], Wrong mechanism: Nothing has changed after the elections: the four-party syndicate is repeating history as a farce (nt), Ordinances await parliament’s nod, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CA polls, vote counting credible: Carter Center (kp), Ai urges leaders to draft statute, end transition (rep), Ai tells UML to learn from UCPN (Maoist) flaws, by Anil Giri (kp), Include major forces in statute writing, China advises NC, UML (ht), Call in FSPN to fight on CA, street fronts (kp), Koirala's 'secret' meetings stirs NC: 'I won't infringe on party interests', by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Fractured Mandate Requires Soul Searching, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Ball Now In Court Of Political Parties, by D. M. Thapa (rn), The moment of truth: The newly elected legislature offers another opportunity for the country to confront the dirty truths of the conflict, by Anurag Acharya (rep)

19/12/2013: Rank and file: Future elections must require the submission of ranked PR lists (kp) [Yes, and please make the inclusive selection of FPTP candidates binding!!!], NC CWC meet: Members press for priority to new faces in PR list, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Madhes-based parties to submit PR list, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Not end of the road for Madheshi parties, interview with Bimalendra Nidhi, NC (rep), Singha Durbar slows down, by Anil Giri (kp), Maoists urged to play positive role: China asks Dahal,Baidhya to join statute-writing process, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), China wants to see stability: Ai; Meets Dahal and Baidya; Discusses mutual issues (kp), UML likely to agree on Prez Yadav’s continuity, by Bhadra Sharma (kp) [Then please elect him again! It's a constitutional necessity!], NC objects to idea of electing new prez, by Prakash Acharya (ht), FSP probe finds CA polls rigged (ht), Parents of blast victim worry about their child's future, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Doramba emerges from war-ravaged past, by Dhruba Dangal (rep), The wisdom of the common man: There are lessons for the UCPN (Maoist) in the Aam Aadmi Party’s performance in the Delhi election, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Old Habits Die Hard, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Nepali Mandela? The wistful desire for demi-god like individuals hurts Nepal's progress, by Mukesh Khanal (rep)

18/12/2013: CA unlikely to have 33 per cent women’s representation (ht), Parties doing little to meet deadline (kp) [For the party leaders, legitimation through the elections was for power fighting, not for writing a new constitution!!], Final PR list delayed to mollify Maoists: NC brass (rep), NC leaders ask brass to take mandated steps only, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Congress leaders censure party leadership, by Prakash Acharya (ht), UCPN (M) kick-starts PR candidates' selection process (nn), 'UCPN (M) will play a constructive role in constitution drafting process by staying in the opposition' (nn), Federal Socialist Party decides to join CA (nn), No constitution through Constituent Assembly: Baidya (nn), Leader Gurung says major parties violating peace accord (nn), Will new lawmakers shun foreign junkets this time? Too many trips made earlier ‘to learn about constitution’, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), YCL to retaliate if arrests continue (ht), Despite poor show in polls, Madhesi parties' voters remain intact, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Challenges to the sanctity of Parliament: Attitudinal change essential, by Suresh Prasad Acharya (ht), Parties Must Respect People's Mandate, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Doesn't add up: Increase in the number of persons of any one community or gender does not necessarily represent that segment, by Nir Bahadur Karki (rep)

17/12/2013: Parties get until Dec 25 to submit their PR lists:  Parties hopeful of convincing UCPN (M) to join CA by the new deadline (kp), EC extends deadline till December 25: UCPN-Maoist on its way to CA? (ht), EC extends PR list deadline another week: Parties cite negotiations for consensus (rep), Deadline extensions dampen hope of timely statute, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Murder accused candidate held, by Bhushan Yadav (kp), UCPN-M PR candidate arrested for Kashi Tiwari murder (ht), 12-pt accord, CPA obsolete obsolete: CPN-M; Says country has reverted to the post-1990 scenario, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Peace pacts have lost significance: Baidhya, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-Maoist to fight for CA dissolution (rep), Dahal rejects election fraud allegations (kp), Do it anyway: Negotiating with CPN-Maoist (rep), Going too far (ht), Dahal defends win in Siraha Constituency No 5: Says allegations against him were created with the intention of giving him bad publicity (ht), We're for right to local resources: Madhesi leaders, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Concerns growing for early local elections (ht), No time to waste: Continuing with the old CA’s work will help the new one produce a constitution within a year, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp), Appeal to reason: UCPN (Maoist) must play the role of a responsible opposition and Maoist) must play the role of a responsible opposibecome part of the constitution-writing process, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Two to tango: Looking at election results we find convincing proof that Nepali voters have finally decided to move towards a two-party democratic system, by Sukhdev Shah (rep), The President Must Resign, by Gyan Basnet (nn)

16/12/2013: PR list submission: Parties to seek another extension, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [On the inauguration session of CA-II, i.e. probably in late 2014, you should make CA elections every four years a regular term! Then you have time until 2017 to decide necessary constitutional and legal changes!!], Parties request second extension on PR deadline (nn), CEC expresses unwillingness to extend PR deadline (nn), EC grants seven days’ extension to submit PR list (nn), UCPN (M) seeks extension for submission of PR deadline: Parties agree to retain HLPC till first CA meeting, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), HLPC show must go on for now: Parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Civil society wants HLPC dissolved (ht), Talk it out: The HLPC could function as a venue to accommodate dissenting parties (kp), UCPN (M) rider to join CA (kp), UCPN-M puts rigging probe on back burner: Wants to include CPN-M in constitution-drafting process, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-M announces three-month long protest (nn), CA Court summons elected candidates (ht), 45 NC women leaders likely in CA, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [Anything else would have been anti-constitutional! But 45 out of 91 ist once again less than 50%!!], CA members to be trained on constitution-drafting (ht) [In CA-I, the party leaders claimed that only they had the right to decide on the constitution! So, why training the CA members??], Madhesi parties divided over cause of poll defeat, by Jivesh Jha  (rep), NEFIN protests view against ethnic state (kp), Come together: The formation of a grand coalition is necessary to guide the country towards political stability, by Jagannath Adhikari (kp), Constitution through consensus is our main agenda, interview with Krishna Prasad Sitaula (kp),  Mulling people’s right to reject: The Nepali context, by Umesh K. Bhattarai (ht)

15/12/2013: Final list of lawmakers by dec 23 (kp), Election panel plans to submit victors’ lists to Prez by Dec 23, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Save UML, all bat for HLPC: UML argues HLPC’s relevance and legitimacy has been over after successful CA polls (kp), Deal likely today to end 'political stagnation': HLPC to get new lease of life, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Reinvent thyself: The relevance of HLPC (rep), No consensus on giving continuity to HLPC: Congress, UCPN-Maoist want it till govt is formed; CPN-UML says it’s no longer relevant after polls (ht), NC, UML agree to call CA meeting at the earliest (nn), Maoist internal review sparks blame game (kp), Maoist rank and file for introspection on poll defeat: Suggest a constructive role of opposition (rep), Dissatisfied parties firm on demand for a probe committee (nn), NC, Maoists used cash to contain UML: Gyawali (kp), CPN-M to stay out of CA, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M charts course of ‘people’s revolt’ (ht), Sadbhawana decides to join CA (kp), SP says street movement now: Claims parliamentary fight not in possible given situation (ht), Citizenship requirement led to our defeat: SP (rep), New Nepal or Old Nepal: It is important to resist any attempts at stereotyping, which results in prejudice, followed by discrimination, by Pramod Bhagat (kp)

14/12/2013: Big parties eye CA settlement, by Pranab Kharel and Bhadra Sharma (kp), Most leaders for continuing HLPC (rep), HLPC meet ends inconclusively as major parties differ on issue of forming probe commission (nn), Move afoot to keep Cong out of govt?, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), 18-party alliance refuses to give up its stance on CA polls (ht), UML leader demands probe into ‘vote rigging’ (kp), Limbuwan warns of agitation (ht), NC leader dares UML to impeach President (nn), CA dissolution a grave mistake, says Bhattarai (rep), Not declaring emergency was a mistake: Bhattarai (kp), Bhattarai regrets not imposing emergency (ht), SC seeks Bhagat Singh arrest ground (kp), Women leaders demand greater representation (kp), Save Adhikari couple’s lives, urges AHRC: Says their condition is deteriorating; Points to state inaction and political intervention (ht), Construction of Republic Tower hangs in limbo, by Sangeet Sangroula (rep) [Make the republic work before you build towers!], Time for change: The parties can decide before the first sitting of CA who gets what; there need not be another dragged-out process for election of the president, by Biswas Baral (rep)

13/12/2013: Seats under PR poll system: EC asks parties to list 50pc women, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), NC PR hopefuls face loyalty test (kp), NC open to new deal: Sitaula; Commitment to federalism, republicanism, secularism to stay (kp) [And what about inclusion? Federalism does not bring inclusion as long as it is based on male Tagadhari domination!!]], Blast victims wait for govt succour, by Abiral Gautam (kp) [And those responsible for this crime are even wooed to take part in the CA, the boycott of which had been the intention of this crime!!], Sadbhawana’s Sah proposes shunning CA (kp), SP vice-chair urges party to boycott CA (ht), UCPN (Maoist) blaming self for poor election result: Leaders say public self-criticism of false moves likely (kp), UCPN-Maoist to prepare PR list after December 14, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), After CA polls, people want local elections, by Benup Raj Bhattarai (rep), Crime and punishment: Baburam Bhattarai's challenge to the government to arrest him for war crimes must be taken seriously, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Ending the transition: Our politics has unduly focused on process and position when it should be concentrated on substance, by Hemant R. Ojha (kp), (Mis) interpreting the mandate: The losers in the polls are asking the winners to ignore the results and accept the agenda that was rejected by a majority of Nepalis, by Damakant Jayshi (nt), Dahal’s political harakiri: Pushpa Kamal Dahal is digging a big hole for himself by rejecting the election outcome, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), Confusion Amid Consensus, by D. M. Thapa (rn), A Nepali Nelson: The wait for our own Madiba is going to be a long and grueling one, by Trishna Rana (nt), The roots of democracy: The people have understood the link between grassroots democracy and development, most politicians still haven’t (nt), Neighborly Concerns: As Nepal drifts into a prolonged course of political instability, India and China,regional rivals step in (sp), Political chair: Round Two, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Presidential Constitutionalism, by Pratigya Pozniak (sp), Elections and the Morning After, by Dipak Gyawali (sp)

12/12/2013: Prez Yadav must go, avers UML (kp), Big 3 set to ink consensus politics deal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Big parties, dissidents agree to probe 'vote fraud' (rep), Oli wants HLPC dissolved at earliest (kp), Born again: The revived HLPC must first investigate Maoist allegations of electoral fraud (kp), Madhesi parties, UCPN (Maoist) ally against poll result  (rep), Fairness of polls can’t be questioned: NC, UML; Dahal says discussions going on seriously, hopes parties will find common ground by next meet (ht), Respect mandate: Chinese expert, by Nirmal Shrestha (kp), Poll winners under CA court radar (kp), Eager to pave way for new govt, says Regmi (kp), NBA claims he cannot retain his prior post, by Binod Tripathi (kp), Chairman should not return to apex court: NBA (ht), NBA firmly against Regmi's return as CJ, by Gani Ansari and Ramesh Kumar Poudel (rep), Regmi-led govt blunder, says agni Sapkota (kp), Regmi, Uprety were big mistakes: Sapkota; Says both of them were loyal to a political party and helped rig the polls (ht), Appointing Regmi, Upreti a big mistake: UCPN (Maoist) (rep), ICJ calls for end to Nepal impunity (kp) [see letter by ICJ], UML SC to select party’s PR names (ht), Basnet for revocation of PR system (ht) [Welcome back to non-inclusive Nepal!], Whose federalism? The results of the recent CA election raise questions about the future of ethnic federalism in Nepal, by Prakash A. Raj (kp), Tug Of War, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Deviation and duplicity: Engagement with Maoists is mandatory for peace but appeasing them will be against democratic principles in light5 of recent poll verdict, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep), Ideology-based parties are still unchallenged, interview with Krishna Khanal (rep)

11/12/2013: Big 3 to iron out issues in HLPC meet, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC meets today to discuss parties' grievances (rep), HLPC meeting inconclusive, discussions to continue on Saturday (nn) [Nepal back at point zero! This may continue now for some years until CA-II is replaced by CA-III], Three-party consultations begin (ht), FDA parties press for poll probe, by Jivesh Jha (rep), EC gives 8 more days finalise to PR seat names, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC gives parties eight more days to submit PR list, by Gani Ansari (rep), Costly delay (ht), Regmi’s SC return ‘highly’ likely, by Pranab Kharel (kp), FSPN leadership under pressure (kp), Down but not out: Federalism is still the only way to change the traditional discriminatory structure of the state, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Parties represented in CA urged to end impunity (ht), ICJ urges govt to end impunity (rep), Two more parties submit PR lists to poll panel: Nepali Congress, CPN-UML yet to forward candidates’ names (ht), Nation polarised into opposing forces: Gajurel (ht), CPN-M points out reasons for UCPN (M)’s ‘defeat’ (nn), Growing unpopularity, election boycott key reasons for UCPN (M) defeat, claims Baidya (nn), Peace process not over yet, interview with Padma Ratna Tuladhar (ht), Reveal The Truth, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Maoist Diktat Paralyses Politics, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Hard to swallow: Most people are euphoric about election outcome; This makes it clear they did not vote for Maoists and that there was no widespread fraud, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Cancer of consensus: Focus on consensus decision making instead of real constitution making made CA I hostage to decision, by Shyam Chalise (rep), Revolution in retreat, by Sukh Deo Muni (fl)

10/12/2013: President’s post: UML top 3 likely to go for the gold, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), 16 parties adamant on vote ‘fraud’ probe demand (kp), Won’t join CA without rigging probe, says 18-party alliance (ht), NA commanders worry over vote fraud allegations (rep) [The use of the army has been one of numerous violations of the constitution committed by HPLC, government and president in context with the elections!!], NC wants PR list deadline deferred (kp), Cong seeks five more days to submit list (ht) [NC and UML obviously have problems to name PR representatives because of the parties' anti-inclusion attitude!!], NC to pick PR candidates after Disciplinary Committee report (rep) [The NC only wants to nominated PR candidates from the excluded social groups hwo prove to be bootlickers of the male Bahun leaders!!], Start now: CA proceedings (rep), PR nomination deadline today, 18 parties refuse to submit (nn), EC may extend PR list deadline by a week: Disgruntled parties question poll results, by Gani Ansari (rep), UML CC sees heated debate over choice of PR names, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Khanal proposes criteria for selection (ht), EC response after board meeting (kp), Nine parties give names (ht), Nepal to clarify rigging charge (kp), CA Court summons Nepal  to defend poll fraud charges (ht)), CPN-UML CC meeting: Co-work, compete with NC: Khanal (kp), Insult if Prez, VP sent home sans constitution: Jha (kp) [The PM who had been elected by CA-I had to be removed after the dissolution of the first CA, but the president shall stay on even after new elections????], Electing a new president: Demand of changed context, by Gyan Basnet (ht), Baidya demands round-table meet: Says his party will join constitution writing process if demand met (kp), Working alliance only if UCPN (Maoist) boycotts CA: CPN-Maoist (rep), Ground for people’s revolt fertile: Baidhya; Demands high-level political conference and dissolution of Constituent Assembly (ht), Transitional justice: BRB asks chief justice to form TRC (kp), Make appointments in NHRC: Rights activists (ht) Prolonged crisis will boost impunity: Report (ht), Weekly Musings: Not Like A Flock Of Sheep, by Shyam K.C. (rn), From Mao to Gandhi: Can the fierce one take a mirror to lookat the man he has become, the country he has created, and summon the courage to transform?, by Bishal Thapa (rep), Continuing Conundrums: Frequent human rights violationsindicate that just marking the day has not been adequate, by Alok Pokhrel (rep)

09/12/2013: Guarantee consensus politics: UCPN (M), by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CA, peace accord in peril: UCPN-Maoist (ht), NC, UML urge UCPN (Maoist) to seek solution thru CA: Maoists stick to poll probe demand, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Dahal’s defeat party’s win: CPN-M: aidya-led party also claims struggle against CA and poll boycott as success, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-Maoist mulls CA dissolution as party line: Country in pre-1991 election situation: Dev Gurung (rep), NC drafting code of conduct for PR lawmakers (kp) [The PR members of the CA have to be inclusive in order to give all groups of society a say on the new constitution! If you disallow the PR respresentatives to speak for the interests of their groups, then you can have the constitution be written by male Bahuns, i.e. the top leaders of the political parties!!!], Complaints against PR candidates (ht), UML CC likely to okay PR list  criteria today (ht), Four parties submit PR candidates’ names (ht), RPP-N finalizes PR list of candidates (rep), RPP-N finalises PR candidates (nn), With one day to go, only five parties submit PR candidates (nn), NC urges Election Commission to extend PR name list submission deadline by five days (rep), In it together: Sustained cooperation among all parties will produce a constitution that is widely accepted (kp) [But only if all groups of society are participated], Keep talking: CA and small parties (rep), Parliamentary panel may probe rigging allegation: NC, UML in bid to rope in UCPN-M (ht), CA court seeks Gagan in vote ‘fraud’ case (kp), CA Court summons Gagan Thapa to defend election fraud charges (ht), A Court summons MK Nepal on vote rigging allegation (nn), Murder accused Poudel sent in custody, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), BRB fumes over arrest (kp), Bhattarai objects to Poudel’s arrest (ht), Maoists yet to return land seized in Rukum (ht), Parties close to UCPN (M) propose Dahal to chair FDA (nn), We cannot afford to ignore any party in the new CA, interview with Pradip Gyawali (kp) [You also cannot ignore women, Dalits, Janajatis and Madhesis irrespective of party affiliation!!], The next episode: The second phase of Nepal’s transition should focus on a bottom-up approach to transitional justice, by Ram Bhandari (kp), Parties must go for value-based politics: CA2 election verdict, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (ht), Polarising Politics, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Getting it right: Federalism is an evolutionary process, a political experiment that may or may not work in the long run; Let us not expect the constitution to right all wrongs at once, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), Onus on Maoists: Federalism based largely on ethnic grounds is a necessity for Madhesis and Janajatis to feel secure, by Anand Jha (rep)

08/12/2013: Only 3 parties submit list of PR candidates, so far (rep), RPP-Nepal, RPP to submit names of PR candidates today (ht), Nembang for owning decisions of previous CA (rep), NC, UML seal 3-pt agreement: Differences persist over key posts of PM, President, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), NC, UML to start talks for convening CA: Agree to shelve issues of 'power sharing' until the first CA meet, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Next in line: Parties should focus on writing the constitution in a year, rather than on replacing the President, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Madhesi parties against electing new prez, VP, by Jivesh Jha  (rep), Congress, CPN-UML to woo UCPN-M (ht), Parties set conditions for joining government (kp), UCPN (Maoist), other dissidents form new alliance (rep), Federal Democratic Alliance in offing (ht), CPN-M signals setting up an alternative alliance (nn), CPN-Maoist calls CC amid differences (kp), Another arrest for Adhikari murder: Krishna Prasad’s parents on death fast at Bir Hospital, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Another accused of killing Krishna Adhikari held: Police arrest Parshuram Paudel (ht), The new mandate: Sincere dialogue with the Maoists is necessary not just to draft the constitution but also to enforce it, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Verdict for democracy: Kathmandu’s new incumbents have easy choices to make; following on them will be the real challenge, by Atul K. Thakur (kp), Interpretations Of Convenience, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Mind your language: Mahatos barefaced allegiance to India has hurt the sentiments of Madheshi community, by Jivesh Jha (rep)

07/12/2013: NC, UML begin selection of candidates (kp), CPN-UML to hold CC meet on Dec 9 to pick PR candidates (ht), RJ finalizes its PR candidates (rep), Dahal gets CA Court summons: Six more victory related cases filed (ht), Dissenting parties to team up (ht), Dahal blames army for poll rout (ht), CPN-Maoist to declare CA illegal, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Confusion over first assembly meet call: Prez office begins consultations, by Anil Giri (kp), NC to up consensus efforts for new govt, constitution, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), UML for sharing three top posts: The party is now proposing that the three top parties share posts of the president, PM and Speaker, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), NC calls for flexibility on prez office (ht) [Yes, please just behave as the NC did in 2008 when it rejected to accept its defeat!!], Ready to reconsider key agenda: Thapa; Monarchy, Hindu state ‘negotiable’ (kp), Cong, Madhesi parties in talks (kp), On the way: The people have favored moderate parties while giving the Maoists and conservative forces some room, a message that a united family makes a home worth living in, by Dharma Adhikari (rep)

06/12/2013: Maoist vote claim baseless: Army (kp), NA denies vote fraud: To hold review meeting Monday, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Pun takes vote rigging charge to CA Court (kp), Polls Conclude But Dissatisfaction Over Results Persist, by Gani Ansari (rep), UCPN (M) to be ‘in CA if other parties truly want it’ (kp), PM or prez, UML asks NC to pick, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-UML forms panel to hold talks with parties over prez, govt: Adamant on fresh election for the Headof State (ht), NC-UML bickering over prez worsens: UML brass one on new prez term (rep), UML will stay in opposition if consensus eludes: Panta (kp), 4 Madhes parties now mull unity (kp), Activists pray in silence to voice justice for Adhikaris (ht), The two decade detour: Nepali voters don’t want politics as usual, in fact they don’t want politics; They want the economy to grow (nt), Politics is not local, yet: Local elections would ease the burden of governance on the centre and allow it to concentrate on the constitution, by Ram Chandra Pokhrel (kp), Resilience, mind and matter: In cultural, political and economic sphere, the ability to bide time is the singular ability of Nepal’s people, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Now the social revolution can begin: The end of Nepal's 10-year bloddy civil war was supposed to brind freedom to the downtrodden, but actually makes some things more complicated, by  Eric Randolph (rep), National Interests Should Be Above Political Interest, by D. M. Thapa (rn), A take on mistake, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Exodus: In hopes of a better future; After the CA election, hordes of seasonal migrant workers are leaving Nepali villages for India, by Rudra Khadka (rep), Of unity in adversity: The unity between Nepalis of different backgrounds is being forged in the searing heat of Western Asia, by C.K. Lal (rep), All together now: The NC and UML have a two-third majority, but they need a consensus on the constitution, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Behave yourselves: That is the message from the voters to both Maoist and non-Maoist political leaders, by Bihari K. Shrestha (nt)

05/12/2013: Filling seats: The parties must remember that PR was introduced to make the CA more inclusive (kp), UML sets criteria to pick PR candidates: Choosing Khas-Arya members for Constituent Assembly an uphill task, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Madhesi Parties Have Few PR Seats, Many Aspirants, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Alleged vote rigging: Maoists point finger at EC, Army: EC rubbishes fraud claims, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), UCPN-M task force says there’s proof of rigging (ht), EC circular was guideline for vote fraud: Maoists (rep), Plaint filed in CA court against Gachhadar (kp), Gachhadar’s win challenged in CA Court (ht), UML may table new prez proposal, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), President shake up part of CA election mandate, interview with Jhala Nath Khanal (rep), UML may aim govt leadership or could even stay out: Panta (nn) [As expected, the new legitimation is only used for new power games, not for writing a new constitution!], UML Candidate Challenges Gachchhadar's Victory (rep), Politics in the mire as constitutional flaws emerge: Parties debating whether to amend the Interim Constitution or interpret clauses, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Float power-sharing plan, UML tells NC (ht), Int’l rights groups must seek NHRC nod: SC, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [???], NHRC presses for govt probe into Adhikari murder case (kp), Speed up Adhikari murder probe: NHRC (ht), Save Adhikari couple, address conflict-era issues (rep), On with inclusion: Rejection of the Maoists does not mean an endorsement of any retrogressive agenda, by Deepak Thapa (kp), CA Poll Results: No Alternative To Accepting Popular Verdict, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Controversy Over Owning Finished Work Of Last CA, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Better Late: Only local elections can garner fresh public mandate which will guarantee local ownership and demand accountability, by Prabhat Lamichhane (rep)

04/12/2013: EC allocates PR CA seats to 30 winning parties (kp), PR seats allotted, 30 parties make it to CA: Nine of them, including UCPN-M, snub EC meet (ht), EC to proceed with allocation of PR seats (rep), Fewer invalid votes this time around (kp), Invalid vote percentage down, but marginally (ht), 90 defeated parties demand inclusion in CA (ht), Muslims unlikely to have fair representation in CA, by Jivesh Jha (rep), UML candidate alleges vote rigging in Dahal’s constituency (kp), UCPN (Maoist) points at involvement of state mechanism in massive election rigging (nn), Pun panel submits poll probe report (ht), Mahara hints at UCPN-M participation in Assembly (ht), CPN-UML Candidate Moves CA Court (rep), UML candidate drags Dahal to CA Court: Charges election rigged in Siraha-5 (ht), CPN-Maoist ‘ready’ for stir if CA entry fails (kp), Consensus govt until statute drafting: Rijal (kp), No winners here: ‘Progress’ is not an idea over which one party can hold a monopoly without delivering results, by Bidushi Dhungel (kp) [!!!], Mystifying polls: If any machinery is efficient enough to carry out a grand design like rigging the entire election process we should be proud of it, by Aditya Man Shrestha (rep)

03/12/2013: EC allocates PR seats; 30 parties in new CA: Seat allocation to be made public today, by Gani Ansari (rep), 30 parties get PR seats (nn), NC Struggles To Finalize PR List As Aspirants Pile Pressure (rep), UCPN (M), allies to shun EC meet (kp), Many facts prove rigging: UCPN-M probe panel (ht), Govt insists polls were fair, refutes vote rigging claims (ht), CA court summons NC CA member (ht), Govt amending Act for holding local body elections (ht), Financial assistance for casualties during election (nn), Nefin warns of street protests (kp), Head of state tenure: Prez ‘willing’ to accept CA ruling, by Anil Giri (kp), Peace and constitution have been guaranteed: IEC Chair Regmi (nn), Sense of symmetry: The NC and UML need to balance the ultra-left and ultra-right forces, both inside and outside the CA, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), When Nepal said no: The time for consensus is over; there is no need for the winning parties to consider the Maoist agenda, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (kp) [What a nonsense! 50.79% have voted against NC and UML. This majority must be respected, not to talk about the dissent between both parties as well as within them! Consensus and compromises are necessary for two-thirds majority in the CA!!], Throw the rascals out!, by Sukhdev Shah (rep), Dear Prachanda: CA II election is now history and can and should learn from this history, by Binod Bikram K.C. (rep), The people have spoken: Time for leaders to act, by Anil Shah (ht), By the numbers: A synoptic assessment of the to-be-formed Constituent Assembly, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Where’s The Responsibility?, by Shyam K.C. (rn), CA Election: Undoing The Rigid Stance, by Prem Khatry (rn)

02/12/2013: EC to allot proportional seats tomorrow: Tells contestants to furnish poll spending details (ht), PR aspirants lobby for final nomination, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), EC demands poll income, expenditure details, by Gani Ansari (rep), Who’s the PM? NC troika talks, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Time for rethink: The President’s position (rep), Parties, other than NC, for prez polls (ht), Advocates debate over whether to choose new Prez (kp), Change of guard: Parties must carefully evaluate the costs of replacing the president (kp) [??], UCPN-M says party won’t submit PR list (ht), CPN-M will neither join CA nor govt: Gajurel (ht), President Yadav directly intervened in Dhanusha-5 election: Mahaseth (kp), All stakeholders must be part of constitution-writing, interview with Sushil Koirala (kp), High time for local level election, says CEC Uprety (rep), Local bodies’ election within six months: Singh (kp) [??], Mandate of discontent: The ritual of election was successfully performed; but the series of political dramas are yet to begin, by C.K. Lal (rep), Polls apart: If Congress is the custodian of democracy, UML is torchbearer of socialism in Nepal, by Shreya Paudel (rep)

01/12/2013: EC to allocate PR seats by Monday (rep), First CA meet by Dec-end likely: Constitution first CA meet within 21 days, by Anil Giri (kp), Parties split over Prez, veep terms, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-M  talks  CA share, by Roshan Sedhai (kp) [??], CPN-Maoist Leaders Mull joining CA (rep) [The members of the CA have to be the elected representatives of the people! The CPN-M did not want to be elected! Is it really correct to include them against without people's will? It would be far more important to better include the disadvantaged sections of society!!], Koirala in bid to induct CPN-Maoist in CA, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Will not join CA until poll rigging is investigated: Sapkota (nn), Madhes parties’ warning (kp), Madhesi leaders warn of intensified stir: Say their agenda cannot be crushed in the numbers game (ht), 'Madhesi Parties Down But Not Out', by Jivesh Jha (rep), Koirala likely to leave Chitwan-4 for Banke-3 (kp), NC, UML rein in govt appointments: Ask Regmi not to take decisions that have far-reaching implications (kp), Government formation: Khanal suggests four options (ht), UML for 'proper power-sharing package': Says people’s mandate for co-work among big parties (rep), NC to form govt incorporating all: Shekhar Koirala (nn), Democracy on trial: Nepal's difficulties arise because of the failure of its leaders; they need to match the maturity of voters, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep)

30/11/2013: EC revises PR vote count: May announce party-wisefinal seat tally tomorrow (ht), Proportional seats: Parties get a week to pick candidates (kp), Election campaigns help swell deposits, by Dikshya Singh (ht), First meeting of second CA unlikely for another month, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepal is where it was 20 yrs ago: UCPN-M (ht) [But you are responsible as well!!!], Prez wishes to stay till new constitution, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [The PM who had been democratically elected by CA-I had to be replaced, but the President can stay on even under CA-II???], Elect prez afresh: UML secretary; Onus on new CA to retain head of state, deputy or replace them (ht), Parties sharpy differ over Prez's continuation in office, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Leaders for CA to learn  from earlier experience, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Will bring all forces on board nat’l govt: Koirala (kp) [Your ideas would once again violate against the interim constitution!!], Koirala, Oli For Statute Through Consensus (rep) [Without necessary majorities, you also need consesnsus and compromises with other parties!], RPP-Nepal to stay out of govt (kp), RPP-Nepal not to join post-poll government: Stance on Hindu state, monarchy may bar CA from delivering consensus-based constitution (ht) [Obviously, 94% of the Nepalis do not want what you demand, Mr Thapa!!], 12-point deal determines political course: MK Nepal (kp) [?? The parties not even respect the interim constitution that is based on this deal and the comprehensive peace agreement!!], Bhagat Singh arrested (kp), Heed The Message, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn) [Nepal Research does not share the author's views on ethnic issues! The big parties are once again forgetting the issues of inclusion, ethnic identity and integration! These issues are the key to Nepal's crisis solution!!!], New CA likely to be less inclusive (rep) [Not likely but definitely!! And this has been caused by the big parties that have once again disregarded article 63 (4) of the interim constitution which demands that the FPTP candidates are selected in an inclusive way!!], Leaders From Major Parties to Push Madhesi Cause, by Jivesh Jha (rep) [At the end of CA-1, the male Bahun leaders of the big parties insisted that their MPs from the Madheshi and Janajati communities blindly voted for the decision of their party leadership!], School curriculum in local language to aid adoption of federalism, by Nirjana Sharma (rep) [This has been demanded since 1990!!], Bad losers: Winning and losing are parts of the game; one who hesitates to submit to the rule of the gameis not fit to participate in any game, by Narayan N. Khatri (rep), Something is rotten: Why would so many people come and listen to Prachanda if they did not intend to vote for him?, by Hitesh Karki (rep)

29/11/2013: PR vote count over, NC, UML may get 91, 84 seats, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), NC on top after final vote count; Hung parliament yet again; 31 parties to have representation in CA, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), PR vote count ends, threshold on Sunday: At least 19,000 votes may secure a PR seat: EC official, by Gani Ansari (rep), Dalits, marginalised suffer election blow in 16 eastern districts, by Lila Vallav Ghimire (kp), Denied ticket, dissident shows the way, by Manoj Poudel (kp), Going Local: This year, voters supported candidates familiar with their constituencies, by Dambar Krishna Shrestha (nt), Assaults on the rise after election (ht), Winning candidates tired, ill (ht), Spar over last CA work ownership: Big 3 for giving continuity RPP-N says start afresh, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [A party that owns just 4% of the MPs and is against all necessary reforms of state and society should be sparing with such demands!], Koirala, Khanal affirm statute importance (kp) [The election has been for exactly this reason, not for new power games!!], New govt at least a month away?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [There are no clear majorities in the assembly what would suggest that there may be endless power games again! Keep the current government and concentrate on the new constitution! Only Regmi must resign as chief justice!], Regmi to return to SC after govt formation (ht), UML, NC discuss power sharing: Agree against amendment for consensus (rep), Acharya pitches for NC-led govt (ht), Back to the centre: The centrist Nepali Congress and UML shouldn’t see this as a winner-takes-all mandate (nt), UCPN-M lost, not the agendas, says 33-party alliance (ht), Immodest proposal: A neutral government could be considered to help the CA concentrate on writing the constitution, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Post-mortem of a defeat: The Maoists have no one to blame but themselves for the rout in elections, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), The Maobadi Thermidor: The revolution has been replaced by a conservative bureaucracy; historically, this is a typical development, by Gérard Toffin (kp), Focus is on political stability: Interpreting the people’s verdict, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Encompass All Sides, Forge Consensus, by D. M. Thapa (rn), Post-election frenzies: What are the challenges ahead?, by Roshani Dhamala (rep), Insurgency scars still haunt 15 Jogimara families: Their struggle to come to terms continues even after 13 years since their kin were killed, by Basant Sharma (ht), Young Voices: More than 40 per cent of voters between 18 and 25 years cast their votes, now will the new CA address the aspirations of the youth?, by Nikki Sharma (sp), Destination Stability, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Second CA Polls Accomplished, bx Tilak Rawal (sp), The old guard returns: The Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) and the Madhes-based parties — the self-proclaimed forces of change — have suffered humiliating reverses, by Yubaraj Ghimire (sp), "We Demand Poll Review", interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (sp), "New Mandate To Write Statute", interview with Sushil Koirala (sp)

28/11/2013: CA stokes inclusion fears: Only 10 women, 63 Janajatis, 2 Dalits won FPTP polls (kp), Final PR results likely today: EC says voter turnout on Nov 19 could be 78 percent (kp), NC continues to lead in PR votes: Count likely to end today (ht), Poll violence was up in central dists, by Laxmi Sah (kp), 14 parties demand poll rigging charge probe (ht), EC to dissatisfied parties: Go to court (kp), EC Suggests legal remedy for disgruntled, by Gani Ansari (rep), PR candidates off to Capital to grab seats, by Prakash Adhikari (kp); Profile of FPTP women CA winners: Quest for justice through CA: Sushila Chaudhary (ht), Gyan Kumari Chhantyal creates history after 22 yrs (ht), Manju to seek respectable women’s participation (ht), Constitution is my priority, says Sita Giri Oli (ht), BP’s inspired me: Parbati DC (ht); Independent lucky winners: Attahar Kamal wins from Kapilvastu (ht), Son of the soil devoted to service (ht); The old guard says it’s set to take charge (ht) [The old NC leaders should remember well that they already have failed so often in the past, especially with regard to an inclusive federal state! Secondly, they are backed by merely 25% of the voters and they have won only a little bit more than 30% of the seats in CA-II and must closely cooperate with the other big parties!!], Khanal stresses on stability, constitution in one year (ht) [There is not more stability now than in CA-I!] Poll debacle: ‘Vague’ identity policy to blame, says UCPN (M) (kp), Task at hand (kp), NC no to compulsory consensus, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Consensus yes but not on mandatory basis: NC leaders (rep), Madhes parties to watch NC-UML move on plains, by Pranab Kharel (kp), UML leaders in favour of electing new Prez, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), This is a mandate for a democratic constitution, interview with Narahari Acharya (rep), Do the right thing: UML-NC will only harden Nepal's still flexible ethnic identities, if they shelve the struggles of the marginalised, by Pramod Mishra (kp), History In The Making, by Gyan Basnet (rn), Politics And Restraint, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), The Maoist debacle: Disenchantment among cadres, failed integration, bad governance and weak organization are major reasons for Maoists' poor showing, by Kosmos Biswokarma (rep), New innings: Whatever leaders do politcally, it will be judged by how it changes people's lives, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (rep)

27/11/2013: After polls, NC, UML talk govt: Leaders say consensus government their top priority, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Koirala pitches for politics of unity: Cong chief says hewill spare no effort to save consensus from derailing, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Parties now plan consensus course (kp), Amendment Not Needed For Consensus: NC, UML (rep), Ready to gowhole hog: Gajurel (kp), Leaders meet diplomats as new govt talks hot up (kp), US, China ask leaders to strive for consensus (ht), Envoys Up Parleys As Parties Seek Consensus On Govt (rep), Win in 2 constituencies: Locals ask Koirala to keep Chitwan-4, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), NC way ahead in PR vote count (kp), NC maintains lead in PR count (ht), NC, UML to probe defeat of their candidates (ht) [??], In erstwhile red fort, 'true' communists pushed to corner, by Raju Adhikari (kp), Madhes parties lose security deposits (ht), Madhesi Forces Defiant Despite Defeat, by Jivesh Jha (rep), EC Lifts Election Code Of Conduct, by Gani Ansari (rep), EC meeting dissatisfied parties over vote-rigging (kp), Charges baseless: Gupta (kp), Women representation in new CA: Rights activists dread fall in numbers, by Weena Pun (kp), Missing link: Marginalized representation (rep), Guarantee Gender Equality In New Constitution : Women, by Anjali Subedi (rep), CPN-M may join govt, CA (ht) [???], UN ‘urges’ Nepal to have VAW in all gender inclusion plans (kp), One step forward: The CA must pass a pending bill on violence against women as soon as possible (kp), Against violence (ht), Call to reshape education in federal set-up (kp), Electorate rejects ethnic politics: Analyst says people’s choice of non-ethnic parties did not mean issue of ethnicity will become weak, by Lila Ballav Ghimire (kp), Lessons to learn: The election result indicates a disconnect between UCPN (Maoist) ideologies and the people’s needs, by Rajju Malla Dhakal (kp), Constitution please, by Jagadish C. Wagle (kp), The people’s verdict: UCPN (M) must learn, by Shirish B. Pradhan (ht), Looking ahead: The first test of wether politicians have learned from their mistakes will be how long they take to form new government, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (rep), History repeats: A leader is a loser for five years after an election, but a leader who is not willing to accept the people's verdict loses forever, by Dinesh Lamsal (rep)

26/11/2013: All together now: NC-UML headed for a clear mandate; all the reason to not ignore others (kp), UCPN (M) wants majority govt clause in statute gone: Leaders say consensus politics must be ‘reinstated’ for them to join CA process, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), UCPN (Maoist) demands consensus political course, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Maoists seek NC, UML word on past accords, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), NC, UML initiate talks: Let’s go together on govt, statute, Koirala asks Dahal (kp), CPN-M discusses future course (kp), As poll ends, federalism debate makes a comeback (rep), Envoys meet Nepal, Koirala (rep), Cong gets past UML in PR race (kp), 'Losing by slim margins more painful', by Benup Raj Bhattarai (rep), Marginalized Groups Secure Lesser Seats Under FPTP (rep), Plea to nullify Solukhumbu election (kp), UCPN (Maoist) candidate moves CA court, by Gani Ansari (rep), Ramechhap spreads out PR vote, by Gani Ansari (rep), Humla family fined for not casting vote, by Jaya Bahadur Rokaya (kp), State Expenses For CA Polls Around Rs 13b (rep), Securing New Nepal: UCPN (Maoist) must continue with constitution-writing to ensure that gains for social justice are retained, by Seira Tamang (kp), What next? Agendas for economic growth and constitution writing must be a parallel exercise, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), The wisdom of Baidya: The fact that the Maoists will only have a small representation in the CA, if they participate at all, means the Assembly has been redundant, by Bishal Thapa (rep), Rhetoric v reality: There is emphasis on female participation on paper; But the belief that women can contribute is absent in reality, by Catherine Nixon (rep)

25/11/2013: FPTP count nears end, NC, UML shine: UCPN (M) bags 25 seats so far; Last FPTP results from Saptari-2 expected today; 10 women win CA seats (kp), New CA Likely To Have Fewer Parties: 'Over 22,000 PR votes may secure a CA seat', by Gani Ansari (rep), Experts Suggest Giving 26 Nominee Seats To Women, by Anjali Subedi (rep), UCPN (Maoist), allies to gather vote ‘fraud’ proof (kp), Dahal, Baidya mull ‘working alliance’ (kp), UCPN (Maoist) still unsure about CA Boycott (rep), Gorkha voters urge UCPN (Maoist) to join CA, by Narahari Sapkota (rep), More parties claim polls were ‘unfair’ (kp), Call to probe Siraha-6 polls (kp), UCPN (Maoist), MPRF-N, FSP To Discuss Poll 'irregularities' With EC (rep), Nip it in the bud: EC must quickly probe allegations of electoral fraud so that the nation can move on (kp), 93 held for poll violence charged with public offense, by Amar Khadka (rep), Thousands of invalid votes in Dhanusa, by Suresh Yadav (rep), Splits, Hunger For Power Behind Madhesi Parties´ Poor Show, by Jivesh Jha (rep), UML maintains PR vote count lead, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Independent Candidate: Social worker elected to draft statute, by Rabindra Upreti (kp), NC, UML sweep mid-Tarai (rep), 5 secretaries Madhesi parties defeated (kp), Leaders throng network sites (kp), Winners visiting voters to extend their thanks, by Amrita Anamol (kp), Winners and losers: The NC and UML cannot afford to ignore issues championed by the Maoists, Madhesis and Janajatis, by Dipendra Jha (kp), UCPN (Maoist) must remain in the political process, interview with Mumaram Khanal (kp), As you sow: Euphoria is in the air in Kathmandu following comeback of NC and UML; But only time will tell how long it will last and if it was justified, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep) [Neither is there consense between NC and UML nor is it clear that both together have the necessary two-thirds majority in the CA! Especially, the elected FPTP MPs are a non-inclusive lot that does in no way represent Nepal's society as it would be necessary!!]

24/11/2013: Congress largest party in FPTP polls: Senior NC, CPN-UML leaders secure victories; many top UCPN (Maoist) leaders lose (kp), NC emerges largest party under FPTP, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), 232 First Past the Post results announced: NC wins 101, UML bags 90 constituencies: Proportional Representation vote counting continues; CPN-UML leading,Nepali Congress not so far behind (ht), UML also Makes A Comeback (rep), UML in PR lead (kp), EC rejects election review (kp), EC dismisses ‘foul play in election’ allegation (ht), UCPN (M) not to deviate from peace, statute, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Our agenda thrive: Bhattarai (kp), UCPN-M defends its agendas (ht), Maoists analyse electoral debacle: Leaders term the unexpected results a ‘technical coup’ (ht), Rivals plotted against us: UCPN (Maoist) leaders (kp), UCPN-M loses Bagmati bastion (ht), UCPN-M wiped out from three zones: Gets not even one seat in 29 constituencies (ht), UCPN (Maoist) sweeps votes in Rolpa, by Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), Gorkha sweep fails to excite Maoists, by Narahari Sapkota (rep), NC, UML Gain Ground In Mid-west, by Kalendra Sujuwal (rep), Double delight for Koirala, Nepal, Gautam: Dahal, Bhattarai, Khanal, Gacchadar fail to win from two constituencies, by Jaya Ram Gautam (kp), For some leaders elections but mean a win (ht), Big names Who Lost Their Deposits (rep), Four party chiefs defeated in Sarlahi, by Santosh Singh (rep), Repolling held in Saptari (kp), 16 parties in Dhading flunk in PR (ht), Police gear up to tackle post-poll violence: Winners, their rallies to be guarded (kp), ‘Few’ women win under FPTP polls, by Pragati Shahi (kp), Number of invalid votes increases, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Invalid votes down in Makawanpur (ht), 3,999 ballots cancelled (ht), KMC Urges Parties To Remove Poll Publicity Materials From Public Places, by Arjun Poudel (rep), Congress’ Paudel says constitution within a year (ht) [This will depend on your close cooperation and willingness to concessions towards CPN-UML and UCPN-M! In the first CA you have been the boycotting party even though NC had been the loser in the election!!], Behind the success: Technical reform processes initiated by the EC were largely responsible for the 70 percent voter turnout this election, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Part of the problem: Our leaders have become instrumental in handing over to Delhi the key to Nepal’s internal affairs, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), Experts in Delhi for unity among Nepali parties, by Devendra Bhattarai (kp), Winners and losers: NC and UML won this time because they were the least divisive political forces, not because they were the most exciting options, by Mukesh Khanal (rep), Unequal exchange: Balighare Pratha persists in Nepali society as a remnant of caste-based discrimination against low-income Dalits, by Rajendra Senchurey and Bhakta Nepali (kp)

23/11/2013: NC, UML leave Maoists far behind: UML heavyweights Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Subas Nembang secure victory; NC's Gagan Thapa, RC Poudel win (kp), UML takes lead as PR ballot count begins (kp), NC takes pole position (rep), Maoist chief urged to stay within CA process: Int'l community's concern (kp), Prez tells Dahal not to run from duty: UCPN (Maoist) calls its leaders to the Capital to assess election results (kp), 'UCPN (M) to participate in Constituent Assembly' (nn), Dear Comrade: A heartfelt letter to the forgetful man who once did this and then did that, by Zahra Sen (kp), Senior Madhesi leaders contend with defeat (kp), MJF-Nepal boycotts vote-count: Seven other parties follow suit, by Bhim Ghimire (kp), Madhesi Parties Join Chorus Against Election Results, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Five gen secys lose in a district (kp), Changing fortunes: Nepal, Oli bounce back; Pun, Shrestha out (rep), Khatun Epitomizes Women's Victory In Bara -4, by Anjali Subedi (rep)

22/11/2013: Cong, UML in tight race to the top (kp), UML takes lead, NC closely follows (rep), NC, UML gain in Capital (kp), UCPN (M) leaders seek poll review (kp), UCPN (Maoist) Cries Foul, Threatens To Boycott CA (rep), Don’t rock the boat, civil society tells UCPN (M) (kp) [Please give them some time to understand! NC and UML never accepted their defeat in 2008 as well and this contributed to the failure of the first CA!!], Exercise Restraint Until The Entire Results Are Out: EC (rep), Down, not out: Dahal should gracefully accept the election results and join the CA (kp), Dangers of petulance: The Maoist withdrawal from the ballot-counting is hopefully temporary, and they will come back, humbled by the people’s verdict, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), EC orders count halt in Siraha-5 (kp), EC airlifts ballot boxes in inaccessible areas (kp), Making a comeback, in style: The man who gave Dahal a drubbing, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Congress cadres rejoice in Capital: Venue sees wave of NC supporters as the party made a winning streak, by Weena Pun (kp), Poll successful, says rights body (kp), Int'l Observer Groups Say Polls Free, Fair (rep) [But only if you disregard the aspect of missing inclusion!!], Polls better than in 2008, say int’l observers, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), US, EU welcome CA election (kp), The next step: Nepalis were disillusioned with the candidates on offer, not with democracy. That is the main take-home for the political parties (nt), Voting in majority: From Mahottari to Morang, voters were openly receptive to elections and showed up in record numbers, by Anurag Acharya and Navin Jha (nt), Another chance: Holding peaceful elections was the easy part, resolving the deadlock on the constitution will be harder, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Sore losers: There will be no third chance for Nepal’s leaders to set things right, by Trishna Rana (nt), Now, the constitution: Nepal once again showed the world its people believe in a peaceful, democratic way to select those who govern them, by George Varughese (nt)

21/11/2013: Awaiting the outcome: The electorate has voted in a drastically different manner this time around (kp), Maoists distant third in early voting returns: Nepali Congress, UML ahead in initial vote count (kp), Vote counting on in 149 constituencies: Early reports show 2008 winner UCPN-Maoist way behind (ht), Split bad for UCPN (M), claim Baidya leaders (kp), Statute vows helped us: NC, UML leaders (kp), Madhes parties MJF-N, MF-L ahead (kp), Top leaders leading in districts (kp), In prelims, bigwigs facing tough time (ht), Dahal trailing NC’s  Rajan KC in capital (ht), NC takes lead as vote counting continues (rep), EC airlifts ballot boxes in eight districts (kp), Ballot Boxes Stuck In Remote Districts (rep), National poll observers say election largely successful (kp), Women Voters Outnumber Men In Bhaktapur, by Pratibha Rawal (rep), Vote counting stalled in Bhaktapur-1: Parties accuse election officer of changing stance on multi-stamped votes (ht), Resume counting in Tanahun, demands NC (ht), Counting delayed in Nuwakot (ht), Disputes Hinder Vote Count, by Santosh Singh (rep), Parties call for Sarlahi re-polling, by Aman Koirala (kp), Irregularities alleged (ht), TMDP accuses NC of capturing five booths (ht), Feud brews in four districts (kp), Disputes delay vote counting (kp), Re-poll at Jumla booth on Friday, by D.B. Busha (rep), EC Okays Vote Counting In Sarlahi-6, Dhanusha-5 (rep), Vote-buying allegations in Parsa, by Bhushan Yadav (kp), UCPN (Maoist) Cadres Thrashed In Thabang, by Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), 15 locals thrashed in Rautahat (ht), Kin of Bhotebahal blast victim slam government (ht), Thapa’s social media campaign strikes right chord with youth (ht), Nepalis flood social media with poll result updates (kp), Pleased at polls parties pitch for progress, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Striking out, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Learning from the past, by Chiranjibi Kafle (kp), Decoding the vote: The recors number of people turning out to vote, despite dangers to their life, is a sign of responsible citizenship, by Amol Acharya (rep)

20/11/2013: Voters’ victory: Nepali people have already won regardless of election results (kp), Sovereign People Make CA Polls Historic: 70 percent voter turnout; Polling peaceful throughout the country, by Gani Ansari (rep), People defy odds in high turnout vote: EC reports 70 percent overall turnout; Zero turnout in Rolpa’s Thawang; Counting to begin today, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Nepalis vote with fervour to elect second CA: EC upbeat about turnout, says it could be more than 70 per cent, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Huge voter turnout in several districts (rep), 'Clean Electoral Rolls, Voter Awareness Key To Record Turnout', by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Polls largely peaceful: Govt; 8-year-old injured in capital explosion, by Manish Gautam (kp), Bhotebahal blast puts future of eight-year-old in jeopardy (ht), 'What will I tell my son when he asks for his fingers', by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Balloting peaceful, highturnout in Valley: Officials (ht), Save few cases, polls ‘peaceful’ (kp), Bombs don't stop voters: ‘Yes, stamped it,’ they shout in excitement, by Weena Pun (kp), EC used tracking system for info (kp), Code violation during poll silence period: Many parties had resorted to last minute vote-buying (ht), Complaints of irregularities in Bhattarai’s constituency (ht), Sporadic skirmishes reported on polling day, by Santosh Singh (rep), Explosions near polling booths Bombs defused at several places (ht), NC cadres attacked in Rukum (ht), Police open fire in Kavre, five Congress cadres hurt (ht), Police open fire: Three injured in stampede (ht), Nepali Congress accused of capturing booths (ht), Congress files case alleging irregularities (ht), Poll, political maturity reasons, say observers, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Watchers term 2nd CA vote fairer: Cite security, voter ID cards and improved political climate for success (kp), Foreigners prefer to defer their remarks on elections (ht), Lapses in electoral rolls irk voters, by Thira L. Bhusal and Prabhakar Ghimire (rep), Huge Number Of Voters Barred From Casting Ballot Due To EC's Negligence, by Arjun Poudel (rep), Anomalies reported; re-polling in 1 station, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Rolpa’s Thawang records nil voting, by Khem Budha (ht), Zero Turnout At Thawang, by Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), Two die after casting ballot, one collapses in booth (ht), CPN-M for dialogue, by Roshan Sedhai (kp) [The high voter turnout has been a clear vote against CPN-M!!], 33-party alliance says consensus is inevitable (ht), In ‘well-managed’ polls, a time to socialise, by Samik Kharel (kp), Disabled laud govt help, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp), Terrific start: Constituent Assembly polls (rep), Successful CA II election: Looking ahead, by James Rinaldi (ht) [How can you call it successful at this moment??], Out of sync: Parties have to realise that the constitution needs to reflect the Nepal of tomorrow if peace is to prevail, by Bipin Shah (kp), Don't disappoint us: I hope for best but prepare for worst for if we walk down same paths there is no reason to believe we will reach a different destination, by Anil Shah (rep), Fair and balanced? Labels like accuracy, balance and credibility cannot obfuscate underlying tilt that manifests in skewed coverage, in fixation of certain candidates and parties and exclusion of others, by Dharma Adhikari (rep)

19/11/2013: Historic turnout in 2nd CA polls: EC (ek), CEC claims hightest turnover in today's polls (ht), Country goes to polls today: Around 12.21 million voters set to pick new CA members; around 17,000 candidates from 122 parties in the fray, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Nepal votes hoping for a new constitution, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Prez appeals to all to exercise voting right (ht) [You know that only a little bit more than 12 Mio are allowed to vote; millions of others are excluded for diverse reasons!!], Over 200,000 personnel out on election day guard, by Manish Gautam (kp), ‘Technical fault’ leaves people without right to vote (kp), Flawed voting ID cards irk voters no end: Many have complained that Election Commission goofed up ambitious project big time (ht), EC cancels candidacy (ht), NSU district chief attacked (kp), Cadres mobilised to prevent vote buying, by Bhusan Yadav (kp), UML candidate arrested on charge of doling out money (ht), CPN-M cadres arrested (ht), Bomb terror yet to end (ht), Hoax bomb threats terrorises Kathmanduites (ht), 14 party cadres injured in clashes (ht), Police thrash CPN-UML cadre (ht), CIB makes outlawed outfit’s chief public; Says Mukti had planned to disrupt polls (ht), Many Ilam Voters Unable To Reach Villages For Polls, by Benup Raj Bhattarai (rep), 287 People In Bajhang Missing From Voter List, by Jagat Khadka (rep), 1,50,000 voters left capital to cast votes, by Sanjeet Sangroula (rep), The road ahead (rep), Looking ahead: The end goal should be a progressive, inclusive constitution with input from all (kp) [But this is not the view of the so-called leaders who think that only they decide and the elected representatives of the people only have to nod!!], Two votes each: Voters seem to be calculating their FPTP and PR votes separately, forging pragmatism with aspiration, by Amanda Snellinger (kp), Rocky road ahead: Parties should not allow petty disputes to hold up the constitution drafting process, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Nepal votes: to what end? Unless contentious issues raised in the first CA are resolved, today’s elections will be a futile exercise, by Gyan Basnet (kp) [These problems should have been solved during the past 18 months of power games by the failed party leaders! The elections are futile even before the votes have been counted!!], Way forward: Economic issues must predominate every other consideration in the to-be-formed Constituent Assembly, by Chandra Mani Bimoli (kp) [For the non-included majority of Nepali society issues like federalism and ethnicity are of fundamental importance also in respect of economic improvements!!], Today’s CA election: Electing new faces a must, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (ht), Continuity of change: The CA would have to function based on a fundamental assumption of the democratic process that everything desirable cannot be achieved at one go, by C.K. Lal (rep), Silver lining: Election of the second Constituent Assembly is sure to have some long-term positive impact, by Suresh Prasad Acharya (rep)

18/11/2013: CA election cost swells to Rs 50b: Observers advise avoiding frequent elections, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Sans citizenship, Chepangs left out, by Pratap Bista (kp), Thousands Of Chepangs Deprived Of Voting Right, by Chandni Hamal (rep), Voters’ ID cards defective, replete with errors (ht), Distribution of voter IDs to continue (nn), Election officials reach Rolpa polling booths after four days (ht), Could not educate all voters, says official, by Amrita Anamol (kp), EC Preparing Gender Monitoring Report, by Anjali Subedi (rep), People leave Capital to exercise franchise (kp), Thousands of voters stuck in the valley (ht), Time for a facelift: CA building decks up for new members, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Almost there: Hopefully, CPN-Maoist’s activities will not intimidate voters into staying home (kp), Personal security of candidates stepped up (ht), Poll employee attacked (kp), Several bombs found in Myagdi (nn), Parked bus set ablaze in Jumla (nn), One seriously injured (kp), Petrol bomb hurled at truck, one injured (ht), CPN-M man held for petrol bomb attack, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Bus attack victims condemn violence (ht), Blast victim shifted to Kanti hospital (kp), Truck driver injured in petrol bomb attack dies, by Basant Sharma and Diwakar Bhandari (ht), Driver Injured In Truck Arson Attack Dies, by Arjun Poudel (rep), Critically hurt dies (kp), Baidya not to end strike (kp) [A strike should be peaceful! This is terror against state and citizens!!], State-terror led to violence: Baidhya (ht) [He's obviously insane!], Malevolent display (ht), No sparing code violators: Ghimire (kp), Regmi vows action against anti-election elements (rep), 25 injured in pre-poll clashes (kp), UML, NC, UCPN-M cadres hurt in clashes: Altogether 16, including four cops, receiving treatment (ht), Poll-related Violence Continues In Districts (rep), Carter prescribes French model (kp) [??], EC parries questions on Carter remarks on French model (ht), The way forward: Despite uncertainty and violent opposition, Nepal is going to polls tomorrow, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Elections will take the political process forward, interview with Krishna Khanal (kp), Constituent Assembly election II: Challenges and risks, by Suresh Prasad Acharya (ht), Poll For Constitution, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Whither election observers? The deafening silence of observers on flagrant violations of electoral Code of Conduct foretells the kind of verdict they will give this election, by Madhu Raman Acharya (rep), New tricks: Political forces need a lot more than simple strategies to win; Voters way them based on actions, agendas and leaders, by Barsha Paudel (rep)

17/11/2013: ‘Poll silence’ on as publicity off: The law bans campaigning 48 hours before the polls, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Poll silence commences from midnight: Voters get 48 hours till polling begins to make their decision (ht), Campaign silence started midnight Saturday, by Gani Ansari (rep), Top leaders canvass in various districts in final hours (rep), UN chief calls for peaceful vote (kp), Carter pledges support for polls (kp), Carter arrives on poll mission (ht), Uprety calls agitating parties ‘terrorists’: Says govt should act to curb such groups for sake of democracy (ht), Spl security plan in 7 Valley stations, by Manish Gautam (kp), Stage set for big day, Valley security stepped up (ht), Bombs continue to undermine security (ht), Truck driver hurt in a petrol bomb attack dies (nn), Nine, including children, hurt in Satungal bus attack, by Manish Gautam (kp), Bombs hurled at bus; seven hurt, two critical (ht), Probe violent cases: NHRC (kp), Clashes leave cadres injured (kp), 24 cadres injured in clashes in three districts (ht), Stir keeps voters from going home: ‘Parties are offering voters free ride to their polling areas’, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Underground outfit chief Rajan Mukti arrested (ht), Industrialists in the east finding it hard to meet demand for donations (ht), Rupaidiha border shut for 84 hours (ht), Thousands head to cast their votes (ht), Strike stops migrant workers from reaching their constituencies (nn), Constitution Concerns Valley Folks More Than Development, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), Squatters Remain Untouched By Election Fever, by Devendra Basnet (rep), Parties wooing Chepang voters, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Private sector’s role in election observation, by Sarbani Kattel (ht), Deuba strong in Dadeldhura, Kailali-6 remains a concern, by Barun Paneru and Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), Banke, Chitwan proving tight rope walk for Koirala, by Rudra Khadka and Ramesh Kumar Poudel (rep), Paudel faces challenges in his bastion, by Samundra Paudel (rep), Elections and dignity: Restoring people’s self-respect and freedom should be the mantra of this election, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Justice post-elections: Elected parties must focus on designing policies that are comprehensive and better serve the rights of conflict victims, by Lucia Withers (kp), Poll potential: Elections are important for transparency, sound governance and accountability, a democratic system, by Gail Marzetti (kp), Can the economy survive repeated shutdown? Bandhs bleed the economy (ht), Punish The Demagogues, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Time to vote, by Peter W. Bodde (rep)

16/11/2013: Campaigning ends tonight‚ leaving voters much to chew on till Nov 19, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Parties Wrapping Up Formal Election Campaign Today: To continue door-to-door drive (rep), Final list of PR candidates made public, by Gani Ansari (rep), EC fears weather, road obstruction: 33 personnel, logistics, stranded in Humla snowfall, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), 12 hurt in Makawanpur bus arson (kp), 11 booked for vandalism (kp), Alliance not to obey court order: Agitating parties to impose ‘tougher’ protests against Tuesday’s polls (kp), CPN-Maoist refuses to accept apex court order to end strike (ht), Baidya-led alliance to ignore SC order on strike: Says court is no more independent (rep), Molotov attacks leave 22 injured (ht), 27 injured in separate clashes across districts (kp), Cops up vigil at fuel stations to nab suspects (ht), Polls uncertain in once Maoist heartland?, by Kashiram Dangi, Janak Nepal and Balkrishna Basnet (kp), Madhesi Parties Face Tough Time To Retain Old Strength, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Kathmandu gears up for the polls (kp), Balance tilted in UCPN-M favour: Ramchandra Jha, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), It's loan that concerns this Dalit candidate more than a win (ht), UCPN-Maoist eyes re-run of victory (ht), NC in bid to achieve more seats, by Prakash Rimal (ht), How Electorates Appraise Top 3 CPN-UML Leaders, by Benup Raj Bhattarai and Santosh Singh (rep), Rights team on gender watch (ht), Carter Center chief arriving today (kp), Former US prez Jimmy Carter arrives in Nepal to observe CA polls (nn), Zig when others zag: A group of educated youths have come together to push a unique election campaign in a show of protest against the dominance of what they deem ‘incompetent’ elite parties, by Abhushan Gautam (kp), Waiting To Vote, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

15/11/2013: Polling in Himalayan districts: Cold weather set to play spoilsport, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), 269 candidates taken off parties’ PR lists, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC Annuls 302 PR Candidacies: To publish final list today, by Gani Ansari (rep), EC publishes final name list of 10,709 proportionate candidates (nn), DEOs set mid-east poll stage (kp), Two Polls: Most voters regard this as a parliamentary election and not one to elect a Constituent Assembly (nt), Bomb attack victims recall nightmare, by Manish Gautam (kp), Govt succour for injured (kp), 17 vehicle owners get compensation sums in Valley (kp), Two more vehicles targeted (kp), Anti-poll leaders face arrest: Govt, cops say workers of poll-opposing alliance, including CPN-M, behind all the violence, by Manish Gautam (kp), Violence ups in City; 89 arrested, 28 charged with vandalism (ht), Stealth Attacks Prompt Govt To Deploy More Plain-clothes Cops, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Security a concern amid growing anti-poll activities, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Anti-poll bloc may hit streets (kp), SC directs those opposing polls to withdraw strike (ht), Apex court blow to Baidya banda (kp), Violence on the streets the doing of poll opponents, claims Regmi: Tells security chiefs to enforce law and order (ht), Punishment sought for attackers (kp), Several CPN-M activists arrested (ht), Rift within Baidya-alliance, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Candidates’ abduction was a drama: Police, by Parbat Portel (kp), 6 UML cadres injured, 11 missing after UCPN-M attack in Baitadi (nn), Forum-UCPN (M) rautahat clash: Village folk living in fear, by Shiva Puri (kp), UCPN-Maoist candidates warn of poll boycott (ht), Is EC’s helicopter policy arbitrary? (ht), UML objects to excessive use of choppers (ht), Money and muscle (ht), Parties woo labourers for votes (kp), Rock the vote: Health of a democracy depends on active, vigilant voters (kp), Bijukchhe may repeat history in Bhaktapur-1 (ht), Big Three likely to share seats among them, by Bharat Koirala (ht), Weigh-in: Election predictions on top leaders of the three parties (nt), Uncertainty reigns: It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the upcoming election changes the current power equation, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Eyes wide open: Poll observers face a number of challenges in the run-up to the November 19 elections, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp), Revisiting Rukum: Seven years since the end of the insurgency, the Maoist heartland continues to suffer from inequality and underdevelopment, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Far-fetched in the Far-West: Rather than making promises they can’t keep, the people want candidates to deliver on basic services, by Sunir Pandey (nt), November 19 election: The hidden aspects, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ht), A second chance: Nepalis are set to reject totalitarians, oligarchs, separatists, and anti-nationals in this election, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), Let's not repeat 2008: If the 19 November ballot can be relatively clean, the possibilities are that Constituent Assembly-II will have a life, by Kanak Mani Dixit (nt), The female factor: The neglect of the majority, by Narad Gautam (rep), The burden of voting for the bad among the worse, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Elections upshots: As the big day approaches closer and the election fever surges high, life has become impacted in ways inescapable, by Roshani Dhamala (rep)

14/11/2013: Push for more youth-friendly CA (kp), EC rejects negative voting, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Commission to deny 300 candidates PR tickets (kp), EC starts supplying logistics to all polling stations (kp), Poll officials deployed against election code (ht), EC failed to implement poll code: INSEC (rep), Huge Sum Being Spent On Voter Education, by Kriti Bhuju (rep), Landmine planted on Dahal’s route (ht), Anti-poll forces on the rampage: Dahal escapes unhurt in Kanchanpur ambush, by Chitranga Thapa and Roshan Sedhai (kp), 4-yr-old girl among eight hurt in Capital bus attack, by Manish Gautam (kp), Eight injured in microbus attack in City (ht), 4 NC cadres injured in IED explosion, by Pratap Bista (kp), Vehicles torched, vandalised (ht), Attacks on tourists leave entrepreneurs jittery: Vehicles meant for foreigners staying in Begnas Lake Resort set ablaze, by Rup Narayan Dhakal (ht), NC, UCPN (M) cadres clash, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), Clashes among cadres increasing (ht), 12 injured in Baitadi (kp), So far, so good in violence-wary Dang, by Durgalala K.C. and Janak Nepal (kp), NHRC reports spurt in cases of violence (kp), People demonstrate against strikes (ht), Private sector protests transport shutdown (kp), FNCCI holds mass rally to protest bandh called by 33 parties (ht), Times a-changin: FNCCI countrywide peace rally (rep), CPN-M urged to withdraw protest (kp), The wrong path (ht), Lessons unlearned: CPN-Maoist will be seen as a criminal group if it continues with violence (kp), Baidya-led alliance disowns violent attacks (rep) [???], Baidhya for reaching understanding (ht) [Without taking part in elections you should not call yourself a major political force!! Legitimacy comes through elections!], 14 leaders resign from CPN-M in Illam (nn), Police raid houses of 6 CPN-M leaders (nn), SC issues interim order to poll opposing alliance to withdraw strike (nn), Muslim vote crucial in Banke Constituency No 3, by Damodar Bhandari (ht), Kathmandu braces for nail-biting competition, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Discontent Brewing Against Dahal In Kritipur, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Narayan Kaji flouts poll code of conduct: Flies to Panchthar in a chopper sans permit; Election Commission to seek clarification, by Laxmi Gautam (ht), EC chief dodges code violation issue: Tells reporters that people will ultimately evaluate candidates violating rules (ht), Money Buys Votes In Morang, Say Leaders (rep), Majhis say leaders have sold them down the river, by Min Kumar Dahal (ht), Rehabilitation Of Landless Top Poll Agendas In Kailali, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), Women candidates rue lack of party support (rep), Women leaders rue media coverage (kp), Biased media riles women candidates (ht), UCPN-M to struggle to retain constituencies: Congress, UML have fair chance; RPP, RPP-N seen as dark horses (ht), Election bound: True nationalism lies in making the elections a success; anti-nationalism means foiling the elections, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Political Marketing And Unlearned Facts By Parties, by Birendra Vaidya (rn), Unethical Electioneering, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Election blues: CA II is likely to be a replica of CA I that engaged in making and breaking governments more than in constitution writing, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep)

13/11/2013: ID card distribution starts (kp), Poll mismanagement: EC should effectively communicate that voter IDs are not mandatory (kp), Voters’ identity cards reach Taplejung (ht), EC to decide fate of 301 PR candidates today: Over 200 candidates to lose their candidacies, by Gani Ansari (rep), From candidates to voters, CPN-M now changes tack, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Roshan Sedhai (kp), Baidya Alliance Mulls Intensifying Protests (rep), CPN-M leaders, cadres start deserting party: Say they dislike thethe leadership hasviolent means adopted, by Kishor Budhathoki (ht), No to violence: Rejection of Baidya´s banda (rep), Violence marks banda, ‘bomb’ injures child in Capital, by Manish Gautam (kp), Petrol bombs hurled at bus carrying passengers: All 42 jump to safety before vehicle caught fire (ht), Bombs, arson used to enforce transport strike; Locals terrified; Vehicles torched at places (ht), Tourist vehicles on way to Pokhara attacked, 2 hurt (ht), Petrol bombs hurled at vehicles in Tanahun (nn), FNCCI to hold peace rally against strike (kp), FNCCI to hold nationwide rally against strike: Appeals to public to converge at Tundikhel (rep), Transporters to ply vehicles (kp), Valley people defy transport strike (ht), UCPN (M) condemns bomb blast attempt on Dahal (nn), Six hurt in NC, UML clash in Khotang (nn), Madhesi women in poll fray face uphill task, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Chepangs to trade their  votes for land certificates (kp), UCPN (M) trying to woo Dalits, by D.R. Panta and Khagendra Awasthi (kp), Upper Mustang Wears Deserted Look Ahead Of Polls, by Santosh Pokharel (rep), Jumla Voters in Search of jobs (kp), Kanda villagers rue ‘neglect’, by Himal Joshi (kp), Candidates vow to develop farm, tourism sectors (kp) [by writing the constitution??], Corner meetings after door-to-door visits (kp), Campaigning peaks in Nawalparasi (ht), New parties campaign (ht), Dolakha hopes for violence-free polls, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp), NC in bid to wrest more seats, UML to scramble: Hopes alive for UCPN-M; Madhes-based parties in for dismal results, by Ravi Dahal (ht), UCPN (Maoist) unlikely to repeat victory in Bardiya, by Bishwa Mani Pokharel and Nirmal Ghimire (rep), With four candidates, sexual minorities jittery, by Weena Pun (kp), Outfit in-charge arrested (ht), Int'l observers arrive as poll date nears (rep), No time to waste: Even if only a little of what the parties promised in their manifestoes is accomplished, people will appreciate their work, by Bivod Aale Magar (kp), The next PM: Parties do not name their prime ministerial candidate when they can, and later complain of foreign interference in choosing a PM, by Rudra Pangeni (rep), What's new? There exists the real danger of these elections becoming yet another ritual, by Dinkar Nepal (rep)

12/11/2013: Govt, parties wake up to banda They hope fresh talks with under-pressure Baidya bloc will bear fruit this time (kp), Anti-poll shutdown: 10 bombs defused, over 50 arrested (kp) [This is what Baidya calls peaceful?], Numerous bombs defused during bandh (ht), Several suspicious objects, bombs found (nn), Petrol bomb lobbed at bus ferrying passengers in Lalitpur (nn), Weakened Baidya-led alliance adopts 'terror tactics', by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Buses torched with drivers sleeping inside (ht), Bandh throws life out of gear in Valley: Party offices, vehicles attacked, 41 people arrested in the act; Bomb defused at Tripureshwor (ht), Garbage disposal affected (ht), Transportation strike partially affects life nationwide (nn), Transport entrepreneurs to resume vehicular movement during strike period (nn), Banda blues: CPN-Maoist must learn from public reaction to Monday’s banda (kp), Another mis-adventure (ht), Govt says schools to stay open: Classes still uncertain, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), No shortage of essentials during strike: Govt, traders (kp), Supply normal; demand low as shops shut (ht), Round-up: Baidya’s transport strike casts minimum effect across Nepal (nn), 4-day holiday for election (kp), In Far West, identity issue is crucial, by Chitranga Thapa (kp), Serious lapses in parties’ PR lists (kp), 2 more days to clear candidacy irregularities, by Gani Anasari (rep), Judicial Council recommends justices for CA court (kp), Voter ID cards in districts; distribution begins Friday (kp), Security tightened in eastern region (ht), 3 candidates hurt in assault; NC blamed, by Mohan Shahi (kp), Unpredictable Tharu Voters Likely To Decide Poll Outcome In Dang, by Bishwamani Pokharel and Devendra Basnet (rep), It won’t be smooth sailing for UCPN-M chief in capital, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Tough fight lies ahead for Acharya, Pokharel in Kathmandu-5 (ht), A battleground of Newar candidates: Kathmandu-7 (ht), Fighting chance for those who got a drubbing: Influence of UCPN-Maoist and Madhes-based parties on the wane, by Somnath Bastola (ht), Short on money, publicity a problem for women in fray, by Amrita Anmol (kp), Journalist murder bid: Journos demand security, action against the guilty (kp), Hung economy? The CA can only deliver a new constitution; other actions are required to push economic growth, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Uneven field: Gender disparity in election (rep), The right vote: Women continue to face an uphill task for an equal share of the power pie, by Chin Cabrido (kp), Predicting the polls: The upcoming CA looks to be even more fragmented with the emergence of new political forces, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Participation in CA election: Criteria-based selection, by Gyan Basnet (ht), Forever In Transition, by Shyam K.C. (rn), An end of parties: Voters are willing to cut across the party lines to select the candidates they assess as having best personal qualities, by Bishal Thapa (rep), The five percent: Nepal should allow voting at 16; it already recognizes 16 years olds as 'youth' having the rights of citizenship, by Pratyush Nath Upreti and Kanchan Prasad Kharel (rep)

11/11/2013: Bid to end discrimination: Call to vote for women this election, by Weena Pun (kp), Votes sought for women candidates (kp), 'Vote for women leader' campaign launched, by Anjali Subedi (rep), It’s quieter in Limbuwan, but identity is still the key, by Akhilesh Upadhyay and Chetan Adhikari (kp), Madhesi voters divided along caste lines?, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), In plains, Madhesi parties may suffer setback: UCPN-M too in for hard time; NC,UML likely to improve results, by Byas Shankar Upadhyaya and Shyam Rai (ht), Top Leaders Contesting From Tarai For Sympathy Votes: Analysts, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Doms here say they’ll vote with their feet, by Prabhat Kumar Jha (ht), Voters’ ID distribution runs into problems, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Obstacle ahead: CPN-Maoist must realise that people are keen to vote and withdraw their banda (kp), Pressure mounts on anti-poll alliance to withdraw strike (rep), Shutdown to go ahead, after all (kp), Agitating parties scale down protest: Total shutdown today, transport strike till Nov 19 (ht), Govt orders arrest of banda enforcers, by Manish Gautam (kp), Govt sounds high alert to foil bandh (ht), Govt pledges smooth supply of essentials (kp), SC moved to stop  poll-time bandh (ht), Security strong, CoAS tells Regmi (kp), Work has been completed to ensure poll security, interview with Ganesh K.C. (kp), Police gear up to provide security in valley during CA elections (ht), Sankhuwasabha UCPN-M candidate attacked Explosives found at rallies featuring Dahal, Nembang (ht), NC candidate, UML cadre injured in clash (ht), Maoist campaign OK, says EC (kp), Candidates defect to Nepali Congress (kp), Maoist position falters  in Rapti-Karnali bastion, by Janak Nepal (kp), Fierce contest among Big Three for Kathmandu-9 (ht), Udaya Rana all set in Lalitpur-1 to rise to the challenge, by Rajan Pokhrel (ht), Voters fed up with utopian promises, by Arjun Poudel (rep), Parties use schools for poll campaigning (rep), EC commissioner Admits Lax Implementation Of Poll Codes (rep), Violence upsurge concerns UML (kp), CPN-M cadre held on arson charge (kp), Minors’ use in campaigns ‘rampant’, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Off the mark: Political parties are still far away from giving enough space to anti-corruption measures in their agendas, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Poll For Peace, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Rise of the right: What must be discomforting for devoted votaries of federalism is growing fascination of voters for gai, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep) [Strange opinion! Nepali voters gave proved conscious in the past: No Janajati, Madhesi, Dalit, Muslim or woman, i.e. about 85% of the population, can vote for Hindu fundamentalism!!], Multiple antagonisms: If Baidya and his minions had wanted to further alienate Madhesis, he couldn't have choseen a more appropriate time to enforce a banda, by C,K. Lal (rep)

10/11/2013: ID use hinges on card delivery: Commissioner says other certificates may be accepted if ID cards don’t reach all voters, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC to distribute voter ID cards by Nov 17, by Gani Ansari (rep), Bid to cut on invalid votes, by Thakursingh Tharu (kp), Security situation better: NA (kp), Security in place in mid and far-west: Nepali Army (ht), Grenade hurled at UML rally, 6 injured, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Five hurt as bomb explodes at UML mass meeting (ht), Bomb defused close to UML’s Nembang programme (nn), UCPN (M) leader abducted (kp), Warning against bandh, rigging, booth capturing: Minister says no one has right to snatch right of 12 million voters; Warns perpetrators with action (ht), Clarion call to withdraw banda: FNCCI will defy shutdown, says its president Vaidya, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), FNCCI to defy CPN-Maoist general strike (rep), Govt zero tolerance for banda, by Manish Gautam (kp), Government decree to arrest election spoilers (ht), HLPC urges 33 parties to withdraw strike: Anti-poll alliance to meet today to make changes in programme (ht), Plan To Cover Damage To Public Transport Falls Flat, by Sangeet Sangroula (rep), Chandani, Dodhara votes decisive, by Chitranga Thapa (kp), Nuwakot offers a tough poll fight (ht), Constitution priority for Kathmandu-6 voters, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Outside the ring: If Regmi’s resignation as Chief Justice can still bring the CPN-Maoist onboard the election, he should, by Yam Prasad Chaulagain (kp) [He will not resign! Besides, it's much too late now!!], Egoism Prevents Alliance Between Madhesi Parties, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Winning battles, losing the war: The reason for the success of the Maoist party seems to lie is the effective articulation of its strategy, by Keshar Bahadur Bhandari (kp), Slogans, not solutions: Political party commitments on economic issues leave plenty of room for question, by Maina Dhital (kp), ‘Civil society should conduct hearings on implementation of election agendas’, interviews with Prtihvi Raj Legal and Chandra Mani Adhikari (ht), Raise voices, not fists: Continuing violence during the pre-election period suggests that the government might not be capable of stemming the current tide of aggression, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Choices to make: Nepali people’s faith in democracy should reflect in the country’s institutions, including the parties, by Atul K. Thakur (kp), Big parties ignore climate change in poll manifestos, by Om Astha Rai (rep), Disabled Likely To Be Excluded In CA: NFDI, by Anjali Subedi (rep), Election disillusion: If Nepal's ruling elite is serious about creating 'New Nepal' serious consideration must be given to legacies of conflict, by Erik B. Wilson (rep)

09/11/2013: Voter ID cards ready and waiting: Distribution on time a big ask for EC, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Ministries under election orders (kp), Many on horns of dilemma as elections near (ht), Inclement weather spells trouble in mid-west (ht), Ex-US prez to lead Carter Center’s poll monitoring team (ht), Banda will be shortened, says Gajurel (kp), Action sought against TV channels (ht), ABC TV, Filmy TV breached poll code: NC tells EC (rep), Staffers of local bodies ready for CA polls: Ministry (ht), Concern over poll code violations (kp), Violent activities stoke fears ahead of polls, by Rajan Pokhrel (ht), Poll-related Violence Reported In Districts, by Krishna Oli, Upendra Yadav and Madan Thakur (rep), Bomb found at VDC office (ht), India urged to shut border for 72 hours during elections (ht), Joint pact to seal border for 72 hrs (kp), FSP, Madhesi parties’ split to come into play, by Kishor Budhathoki (ht), Maoists May Struggle To Hold On To Rukum, by Kamal Thapa (rep), Can BRB rise to Butwal challenge?, by Amrita Anmol (kp), How Gachchhadar wins elections, by Om Astha Rai and Amar Khadka (rep), Delay in implementing Dhobikhola corridor project upsets voters, by Pratibha Rawal (rep), 75pc cops leave Valley for polls, by Manish Gautam (kp), Valley poll security feels manpower crunch: Steps to foil Baidya-led campaign being mulled, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Elections amidst challenges, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Four major parties should take responsibility if election doesn't take place: Rai (nn)

08/11/2013: Not present: Dalit leaders must unite to ensure adequate representation in the CA (kp), Security situation is but stable: In the Eastern region, candidates are campaigning freely and voters feel safer than in 2008, by Akhilesh Upadhyay and Chetan Adhikari (kp), Security up in mid- and far-west ahead of vote (ht), Border to be shut for three days for election (ht), Nepal, India agree to tighten border for CA polls, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep), CPN-M leaders divided over 10-day general strike (kp), 33-party mulling cut-down on 10-day strike (ht), Call off bandh, say rights activists (ht), FNCCI, CNI condemn bandh: Such acts discourage investors and cause the economy to shrink (ht), Govt urges parties to withdraw bandh: Warns of strong action if CPN-Maoist-led alliance fails to pay heed to the call (ht), Manifestos have little effect on voters: They say they’ll choose candidates, not parties (ht), UCPN (M), NC men clash, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), EC to monitor activities at all 18,457 polling centers, by Gani Ansari (rep), Voter i-card distribution: Poll commission sets Nov 17 target (kp), Kapilvastu-1 candidate dies (kp), Madhes parties in last ditch attempt to forge poll alliances, by Surendra Paudel and Upendra Yadav (rep), Last time losers in bid to bounce back: Can previous election winners continue their winning streak?, by Kumar Luitel (ht), The wages of sin: The criteria for electing a candidate has changed; This time, voters are asking: does he have blood on his hands? (nt), Despite boycott campaign, Rolpa braces for election, by Bishwamani Pokharel and Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), Retaining Ilam seats an uphill task for UML, by Madhav Ghimirte and Biplav Bhattarai (kp), Maoists eye Madhesi votes, by Jitendra Kumar Jha and Mithilesh Yadav (rep), Banke candidate withdraws name (nn), Villagers in Dadeldhura demand more from Deuba, by Thira L. Bhusal and Barun Paneru (rep), Chhath Adds Extra Financial Burden On Tarai Candidates, by Upendra Yadav (rep), Disabled folk move court against EC, three parties, by Weena Pun (kp), Regmi appointment: SC postponed hearing to Nov 21 (ht) [The independence of judiciary does no longer exist! Thank you Mr Regmi! Thank you HLPC!!], SC hearings on anti-Regmi petitions after CA polls (rep), Single identity federalism slammed (ht), Fundamentally flawed: Election manifestos have climate-dependent goals but almost nothing on climate change itself, by Navin Singh Khadka (kp), Standing by the ballot box: Hopefully, the November 19 CA-II elections will usher normalisation, unlike the April 2008 exercise, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Token representation: Within a patriarchal context, women end up playing political roles on male terms, by Lhamo Yangchen Sherpa (kp), The upcoming CA election: Of paramount importance, by Nir Bahadur Karki (ht), Results Should Be encouraging, Not entirely Bad, by D. M. Thapa (rn), Biting the ballot: The country will go for polls on 19 November, but at what cost?, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Carter visiting Nepal for poll observation (rep), "We will work against Elections ", interview with Mohan Baidya (sp), Why Political Parties Shatter Dreams of Constitution, by Lala Nara Dadci (sp), Election, Its Observation & Monitoring: Justice as the head of the election government, and the developments after that, we are heading towards yet another Constitutional Assembly Election, by Pratyush Nath Upreti (sp), Second CA poll: Then Uncertainty: Despite the escalation of the political violence, political parties are finally preparing for the second Constituent Assembly election slated for November 19, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

07/11/2013: EC murders: Dhungel poll bid Maoist PR candidate Usha Fakir too found ineligible, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Dhungel, Shah disqualified from PR list (ht), EC annuls candidacies of Dhungel, Faqeer, by Gani Ansari (rep), Now or never: Parties, civil society, administration must oppose the 10-day CPN-Maoist banda (kp), Some unease: Gearing up for Nov 19 (rep), International community urges polls sans banda (kp), Int’l community slam anti-poll activities (ht), Strikes during polls unlawful: Int'l community (rep), US, UK, others issue travel alerts: Ask citizens travelling to Nepal to be cautious amid CA polls (kp), Candidates spending money to buy votes, by Rabi Dahal (ht), Parties vow Karnali development, by Tularam Pandey (kp), Tarun Dal district leader found dead (kp), Tarun Dal cadre found dead: Police suspect murder, four UML activists held (ht), Govt to remove YCL camps (ht), Bombs defused at UCPN-M rally (ht), Poll code violations rocket up (kp), Code violations (ht), Madhesi parties’ split may benefit NC, UML: Poll-opposing CPN-M’s presence likely to affect Unified CPN-Maoist, by Mahendra Thapa (ht), Mahara in Rolpa tight corner, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), 74-year-old Dalit woman contesting against Khanal, by Benup Bhattarai (rep), Baidya holds the key to poll success in Sindhupalchowk-3, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Dhruba Dangal (rep), Parties in for tough competition in Tanahun-2 (ht), Voters Pin Hopes On Tourism Growth For Development, by Sangeet Sangroula (rep), Parties float plans to appease squatters, unemployed (rep), Elections come and go, our plight remains, by Kumar Luintel (ht), Some of the people, all of the time: Perhaps strong showing by monarchists and Janajati parties can goad major parties towards a constitution, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Voice of victims: The rights and aspirations of conflict victims continue to be neglected in the Nepali peace process, by Suman Adhikari (kp), Will new CA elect next president? Opinions divided among legal and political circles, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Costly democracy: The total election expenses comes to Rs 37.9 billion which expressed in relative terms is approximately 2.5% of the country's GDP, by Sukhdev Shah (rep), Election Violence, An Undemocratic Act, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

06/11/2013: EC terminates candidacy of convict-declared Bal Krishna Dhungel (nn), EC scraps candidacy of Dhungel and Sah, by Gani Ansari (rep), EC scraps Dhungel's candidacy: 332 PR candidates disqualified (ek), EC disqualify two Maoist candidates: Seeks clarification from a total of 332 candidates in PR lists (ht), Sadhbahwana leader abducted‚ murdered in Mahottarai (ht), Tarun Dal activist found dead in mysterious circumstances; four UML cadres arrested (nn), Tarun Dal leader found murdered in Dailekh (ht), Police arrest six CPN-Maoist cadres in Taplejung (rep), NC concerned over repeated attacks in poll campaigns (ht), Cowboy thrashed for supporting UML (nn), Maoist candidate's poll publicity vehicle torched (ht), Amik Sherchan's SUV torched in Chitwan (ht), RJM accuses UML of attacking its cadres in Pyuthan (ht), International community urges bandh organizers to respect rights of citizens (nn), It is illegal to foil polls: Intl community (ek), CPN-M won’t obstruct voters during election: Pampha Bhusal (nn), Chopper use okayed by EC to some leaders (ht)

04/11/2013: Levelling the field: The PR system is being used for purposes other than intended but it has done much to ensure inclusive participation in the political process, by Pramod Bhagat (kp) [There was no inclusive participation in the first CA because the high caste male party leaders did not allow the CA to work along its constitutional tasks and rights!!], NC, UML ‘optimistic’ over seats to CPN-M (kp) [This would be fundamentally unconstitutional! You must not write a new constitution if you treat the current one like this!!], Sarlahi locals think it’s general periodic polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp) [This is exactly what the political leaders pretend!], Poll predictions: Local issues look set to dominate the election this time around (kp), NC, UML feel campaign heat, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), NC-UML clash in Myagdi: Four injured, two arrested (rep), Leaders for ‘effective’ door-to-door drives, by Samik Kharel (kp), Banke-3 remains wide open as Koirala fighting a hard battle, by Janak Nepal (kp), Voters’ awareness dismal in Bara (kp), Hindi in manifesto, otherlanguages in practice, by Binod Ghimire and Shyam Sundar Shashi (kp), Voters will resist 10-day CPN-Maoist banda, interview with Umesh Prasad Mainali (kp), Distribution of temp. voter ID cards in few days: EC (ht)

03/11/2013: War victims demand TRC (kp), Poll code violation rampant, by Ghanashyam Gautam (kp), 187 cases of anti-election activities reported, by Manish Gautam (kp), Violent incidents fail to deter voters: But, many do not know which party to vote for, by Om Astha Rai, Ramesh Chhetri and Amar Khadka (rep), 5 of 7 candidates under challenge defend eligibility, by Gani Ansari (rep), Nepal warns against poll postponement: Alleges there’s conspiracy afoot to defer election; Says no party can deviate from commitment (ht), Clarify position, UCPN-Maoist tells CPN-M (ht), CPN-M avers Dahal is its prime target, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), UN urges Baidya to support election (kp), Police turning tough against CPN-Maoist cadres (rep), Clash among candidates worries cops, by Binod Ghimire and Shyam Sundar Shashi (kp), Ethnicity issue fails to impress Tamangs in Sindhupalchowk, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Dhruba Dangal (rep), Caste Politics Takes Root As Madhesi Parties Ignore Inclusion, by Jivesh Jha (rep), More women candidates from Madhesi parties, by Weena Pun (kp), Madhesi parties hanker for still CA seat sharing, by Pranab Kharel (kp), In Baglung, its federalists vs anti-federalists, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Lal Prasad Sharma (kp), RJMN loosing ground in Baglung, by Ajay Phuyal and Dilip Paudel (rep), Stage set for top players in Rupandehi (ht), Electioneering reaches peak in Sarlahi: Shambhu Lal Shrestha of UCPN (M) is main competitor of Khanal in Constituency-1, by Binod Ghimire and Aman Koirala (kp), Koirala-Gachhadar rivalry back in Morang, by Madhav Ghimire (kp), Bhojpur, a constituency to watch (ht), Residents glum over unrealized tourism potential, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), Battle royale expected in Dhading: UCPN-Maoist fighting RPP ,Congress and CPN-UML in the district (ht), Campaign in full swing in Bajura (ht), Voice for 'zero vote' resounds in Thabang, by Bishwomani Pokhrel and Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), NC, UML hope to edge UCPN-M in Nepalgunj-4 (ht), Elders welfare: Parties make rosy promises (ht), Propositions dangled to lure young voters (ht), Play by the rules: The media must adhere to the Election Code of Conduct when reporting on election matters, by Pratyush Nath Upreti (kp), Come together: All political parties, whether contesting the elections or not, have to work together if they wish to usher in a new epoch of peace in Nepal, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Still worth trying: Even if CPN-Maoist only wants to buy time, it should be given one more chance to participate in the election which may be postponed for a few weeks or months, by Madhu Raman Acharya (rep) [If the CPN-M takes part or not is unimportant, the second CA trial has already failed! All parties are not campaigning for a new and inclusive constitution but for power!!]

02/11/2013: Statute left out in tactical move (kp) [This is true for the election campaigns and statements of all parties! In other words, they are looking for a new basis to continue their power games!!], UCPN-M promises farmland to tillers: Major forces try their bit to appease farmers (ht) [This election is for CA only!!], UCPN (M) offers Baidya CA seats: Interlocutors mulling three possibilities, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Roshan Sedhai (kp) [Most of these ideas are against the interim constitution! The 26 seats, e.g. are meant for not correctly included social groups and outstanding persons of civil society!!], CPN-M Banda affects life in western districts (kp), Hotels get cancellations ahead of CA election (kp), Govt to act tough against the poll opposing forces after Tihar, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Candidate’s vehicle set on fire in Dhading (ht), Candidate's vehicle set on fire in Sunsari (nn), Code violations go unchecked (kp), Code flouted in election rush, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parties Ignoring Code Of Conduct In Western Region, by Mani Dahal (rep), Keep the honest: Code of Conduct breaches (rep), Parties’ campaign costs zoom past limit, by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), EC tells 7 PR candidates to defend eligibility: Bal Krishna Dhungel may lose candidacy, by Gani Ansari (rep), Journo murder case haunts UCPN (Maoist), by Prakash Adhikari (kp), UCPN (Maoist) likely to lose seats in far-west: NC assumed to emerge as largest in the region, by Thira L. Bhusal and Barun Paneru, Has UCPN-M shot in the foot in stronghold: Party must watch Rolpa closely; NC,UML trying to bounce back, by Udaya GM, A glimpse of foreign policy after elections, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), Voters demand convincing road map for constitution, development, by Jivesh Jha (rep), NC and UML strong in Saptari, Siraha, by Prakash Timalsina, Mithilesh Yadav and Jitendra Kumar Jha (rep), NC, UML to face tough poll test in Tehrathum, by Kulchand Phombo and Manoj Limbu (rep), CPN-Maoist Poses No Threat In Ramechhap, Dolakha, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Ramesh Khatiwada (rep)

01/11/2013: Parties did not want women, Dalits in fray, say advocates (ht), The marginalised: Chepangs feel they have been cold-shouldered (ht), Citizenship reform: Madhesi, non-Madhesi parties differ: There are more points of departure than convergences in the manifestos, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Splits in Madhesi political parties: Greed for power, not accepting each other's leadership major reasons, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Boys will be boys: Pushing women into the CA through proportional representation and ignoring them in direct polls reeks of tokenism, by Trishna Rana (nt), Bomb targets NC leader Paudel: Explosives placed in other places as well (ht), 33-party alliance says it’s just a political boycott (ht), CPN-Maoist enforces Far-western region shutdown (nn), FSP leader ‘shot at’ (ht), Detention of three MJF-N cadres sparks clash (ht), Use helicopter only after seeking prior permission, EC tells Dahal (ht), Of chopper rides (ht), Parties urged not to use kids in campaigning (ht), Candidates Misusing FM Radios, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Ramesh Khatiwada (rep), EC Struggles To Check Poll Code Violations, by Gani Ansari (rep), Tough fight ahead in Sarlahi (ht), Officials’ lethargy bombs campaign to educate voters in Okhaldhunga (ht), Election Agenda Not Matching Needs Of Poor In Farwest, by Prabhakar Ghimire (rep), Mixed bag in store, last time losers may rise: Congress likely to improve results; UCPN-Maoist in for hard time, by Damodar Bhandari (ht), Khanal walks a bumpy road, by Om Astha Rai (rep), Focus on voter’s ID card: Is it required now?, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ht), Confusions And Questions About The CA Election, by D. M. Thapa (rn), Divided we don't rule: The Nepali people have always shown that they are wiser and have more common sense than those who want to rule over them (nt), Ethnic Federalism-Yes and no, by Prashaant Singh (rep), (Dis) quiet in Nepalganj: After five years of disappointment, voters are sure who not to vote for, by Mallika Aryal (nt), Campaigning in cyberspace: Candidates for the upcoming elections are also campaigning on social media for the first time, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt)

31/10/2013: Apex court seeks EC explanation on women inclusion (kp), SC summons govt, Election Commission (ht), Constituencies ditched to ensure victory: Parties have pitted women against heavyweights of rivals,was there tacit agreement in move?, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Charges against PR candidates (kp), Code breach gets on EC’s nerves: Sans consent, Dahal uses helicopter to fly to districts, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Dahal uses copters sans EC permit: Koirala was denied copter in Lamjung, by Gani Ansari (rep), MJF-N leader found violating election code (kp), 8 top guns say they are future PMs (kp), Gorkha braces for a spike in violence: Clash disrupts Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal’s mass meeting, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Cops open fire as UCPN-M cadres attack Nepali Congress leaders (ht), Victory now a challenge for ‘visionary’ Bhattarai (kp), Sitaula, Oli strive to regain constituencies, by Chetan Adhikari (kp), ‘Statute means economic wellbeing’ kp), Upper Mustang voters say polls cold comfort, by Gopal Chhantyal (ht), Flood control a major concern of voters, by Thira L. Bhusal and Bikram Giri (rep), Voters want organized urban infrastructure in their constituency, by Anjali Subedi (rep), Formers lawmakers likely to face challenges, by Jitendra Kumar Jha (rep), UCPN-Maoist likely to feel the heat, by Shivraj Khatri (ht), Splits in Madhesi parties likely to cost votes, by Ajit Tiwari and Santosh Singh (rep), CPN-M threat resounds in rally, by Manoj Basnet (kp), Fringe parties a ‘poll threat’ in the East, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Election violence continues (kp), Security focus on general strike (kp), Polls for progress: Vote for a coalition of parties that have a vision for social inclusivity, economic prosperity, national dignity, by Pramod Mishra (kp) [O.k., but none of the bigger parties is qualified for this!!], Whom to punish: Without a system where people do not seek political patronage, we may not succeed in preventing corruption, by Jagannath Adhikari (kp), Who'll win? None of the big three has any solid advantage; in this situation, the voters can either choose new forces, however incompetent, or endorse pre-2006 forces, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), Those Who Don't Accept Change Say New CA Will Fail, interview with Devendra Raj Panday (rep)

30/10/2013: Women activists doubt 33 pc share in CA (ht), Dalits point to leaders’ ‘ill actions’, by Prakash Singh (ht), Absent voters: Youth who are eligible but not able to vote, share their thoughts on the upcoming CA election, by Yukta Bajracharya (rep), Madhes parties ‘lose’ grip on bastion: Analysts say the regional parties have weakened as Madhes Movement gradually fades from public memory, by Binod Ghimire and Aman Koirala (kp), Madhesi Parties Mum On Hill Issues, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Balancing Tharu, Pahadi voters tall order in Far West (kp), Fringe parties pose challenge in Kanchanpur (nn), Congress, UCPN-M top guns in for a hard time, by Surendra Kafle and Rambabu Yadav (ht), BRB shirks ‘safe’ Gorkha for Tarai: Bhattarai considers home turf a safer district than tough Rupandehi, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Ishwari Neupane (kp), Constituency Watch: Kathmandu-2:  Can UML stalwart Madhav Kumar Nepal pull off a victory this time?, by Prakash Rimal (ht), 14 states, dual citizenship key to NMKP poll pledges: Manifesto says President exercises executive powers and forms govt of technocrats, denying MPs ministerial posts (kp), Inflation and development top the agenda of electorates of Lalitpur-3, by Arjun Poudel (rep), In Ramechhap and Dolakha, federalism a non-issue: Voters demand jobs, better roads, by Kosh Raj Koirala and Ramesh Khatiwada (rep), NC, UCPN (Maoist) in close race in Rolpa, by Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), Identity issue continues to divide Pokhara, by Keshav Sharan Lamichhane (rep), Election logistics on way to districts (kp), Voters’ education programme launched (ht) [Better educate the politicians!!], In run-up to polls, parties walking all over code (ht), Poll candidates parking publicity vehicles at police offices (ht), Rethink polls, CPN-M tells govt, parties (kp), Govt, parties not to backtrack on poll: It won't bring desired constitution: CPN-Maoist (rep), CPN-M ready to face govt action: Could resort to all forms of struggle: Dev Gurung (ht), Bomb defused in Dolakha (nn), Balancing act: Journalists play an important role in ensuring a neutral coverage of polls (kp), Ending impunity: ICJ suggests jurisprudential reform (ht) [see report by ICJ], ICJ Terms UK Court's Decision On Col Lama A Milestone (rep), Foundations For A Peaceful Society, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), Candidates Go Whole Hog To Woo Voters, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Cultural violence: When they are the most in need of nutricious food, care and  hygiene, women are compelled to live like animals, by Ankita K.C. (rep)

29/10/2013: Still a man’s world: Parties must ensure at least 33 percent women’s representation in the new CA (kp), Empty promises: Political parties could have improved their credibility by making realistic promises that they can actually deliver, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Lessons for South Asia: Nepal must consider continuing with a non-party government until the constitution is formally adopted, by Suhas Chakma (kp), Shape of things to come: No party will be able to garner a two-thirds majority in the upcoming election and the CA will once again be a hung house, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Beyond Reasonable Means, by Shyam K.C. (rn), Endangered groups feel betrayed by parties, by Surendra Kafle (ht), EC provides election related details (ht), Govt to monitor 35,000 staff for CA election (ht), Violence swells as election nears, by Manish Gautam (kp), Anti-election activities on rise nationwide (nn), Govt in 'wait and watch' mode against anti-poll violence, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Poll candidates’ vehicles set on fire in city (ht), Fringe parties find fault with CPN-M moves, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M still vouches for dialogue to end political trouble (nn), Defendants’ position sought on ‘right to reject candidates’ (kp), Hearing on negative voting (ht), Candidates' competency tops voter priority, by Sangeet Sangroula (rep), MJF-L for two provinces in Tarai (kp), MPRF-D roots for two Tarai provinces (rep), Integrated Far-west v Tharuhat sets the tone for the region: Parties soft-pedal divisive issues, by Thira L. Bhusal and Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep), NC’s Poudel faces an uphill task in Tanahun, by Kaml Dev Bhattarai and Purna BK (kp), No false promises! Bara folk want statute, development, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Chitwan constituency-4: Bikash vs Sushil, the fight is tough, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Debate continues over constitutional court, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Let Us Hope: Underneath their flabby exterior is an enormous lack of character, by Mukesh Khanal (rep), Economic Agendas Of Political Parties Unrealistic: Experts, by Rudra Pangeni (rep)

28/10/2013: In polls, an uphill battle for women: Going by history, three top parties’ women will not fare well this election, by Dewan Rai and Weena Pun (kp), Petitioners move court seeking right to reject candidates (kp), Respect negative voting rights, court asked (ht), Experts cast doubt on CA election (kp), Public to get a chance to grill poll candidates (kp), People are asking about development more than statute (ht), Parties’ incredible hydro power promises (ht), Three Alam murder accused made public: Ex-UML CA member Kusawaha had hired assassins; Several attempts had been made before, by Diwakar Bhandari (ht), UML leader Kushwaha among 3 held over Alam murder, by Kamal Pariyar and Upendra Yadav (rep), Same gang behind two shootings: Former UML lawmaker held in connection with election candidate’s murder (ht), Whodunnit! UML leader held for Alam murder, by Manish Gautam and Laxmi Shah (kp), EC booking poll code violators (kp), Gachhadar admits he made mistake (kp), EC seeks clarification from Dahal's daughter Renu (rep), EC mulls forming 'flying squads' to check poll code violation: Squads to comprise security personnel, EC staffers, by Gani Ansari (rep), Ashok Rai pines for seat adjustments (kp), Dang cops nab 5 poll disrupters, by Durgalal K.C. (kp), 5 Held Over Attack On Maoist Leader, by Devendra Basnet (rep), 'Operation Seal' for poll security in Midwestern Region, by Bishwa Mani Pokharel and Rudra Khadka (rep), Against the tide: CPN-Maoist’s disruption of poll process goes against the will of the people (kp), CPN-M leaders won’t be easily accessible, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), FLSC imposes bandh in eastern Nepal (nn), NC leader’s vehicle set on fire (nn), Bomb found outside CPN-UML Nawalparasi office (nn), Dahal says his party will fight back against those intent upon disrupting polls (nn) [A war between cadres of different parties cannot lead to free and fair elections!!], War-ravaged infrastructure yet to be rebuilt (ht), Madhesi parties make tall promises to Muslims, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Maoist, Madhesi parties will get more votes in Tarai, interview with Vijay Kant Karna, Impunity in the time of election: Instead of a solution-oriented debate, the parties have developed a culture of corruption that fuels conflict, by Ram Bhandari (kp),  Battleground of heavyweights with ex-PMs, ministers in fray, by Rajendra Bhatta (ht), Tough Poll Battle Looms In Dhading 3, by Ujir Magar and Rameshwar Karki (rep), Exploiting youth potential: Engines of growth, not political tools, by Ajita Singh (ht), Time For Restraint, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Hollow promises: No election manifesto spells out how lofty promises will be met or how economic growth will accelerate to set the country on development path, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Road not taken: The new constitution should be framed according to agenda set by the party that wins majority PR votes, by Aditya Man Shrestha (rep), Go figure: The federal debate (rep)

27/10/2013: Will the views of parties converge? CA panels debated issues extensively; Draft also readied; Successive govts ignored it, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), Parties make tall social security promises: Will it also be as easy to deliver? And,at what cost? (ht), Economic agendas in political manifestos: Is the country ready to do business? (ht), UCPN-Maoist conscription proposal will cost nation dearly if implemented (ht), EC gets tough on poll code breach: Gachhadar furnishes clarification, probe going on, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Top EC panel to look into major incidents of poll code violation, by Gani Ansari (rep), Govt takes steps to curb anti-poll activities, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Police reaches conclusion on UML candidate Alam murder case, arrests another UML leader for plotting murder (nn), Two arrested for attacking UCPN-M candidate in Taplejung (nn), Poll-related violence shows no sign of ebbing (kp), 2 youth unions swear vengeance (kp), Seven UML men injured in Chitwan (kp), UCPN (Maoist) candidate's jeep set ablaze (nn), Security bodies waiting and watching (kp), Seat adjustment bug bites three major parties (kp), Election boycott campaign a smashing hit: CPN-Maoist, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Economy being held hostage, by Surendra Tandukar (ht), Don’t you dare tear CPN (M) apart: Baidya (kp) [Like most of the other top leaders, Baidya obviously suffers from a swollen head! Stop the destruction of the nation!], Uncertain prospects: Without the CPN-Maoist’s participation, whether the election will solve the nation’s problems or exacerbate them remains to be seen, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp) [The problems of the nation will not be solved by the current politicians in general!!], NMSP roots for undivided Madhes: Wants special relations with India, Panchasheel to guide diplomacy (ht), NMSP for single Tarai province, Chure conservation (rep), Madhesi parties woo Dalits with myriad offers (rep), Migrant voters expected to hold sway in Bhaktapur-2, by Pratibha Rawal (rep), Busy in harvests, voters lack time for candidates, by Kamal Panthi (kp), Dons’ poll-time release smacks of foul play, by Manish Gautam (kp) [??????????], Driven by zeal, independents join poll fray, by Samik Kharel (kp), Journos’ bid to ensure fair polls, by Arjun Shah (kp), Bad omen: Constituent Assembly II, by Ananda Jha (rep)

26/10/2013: CPN-Maoist gets violent despite pledge (rep), Dahal is Baidya’s prime target: CPN-M says move will force him to backtrack on November election, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Bombs near Maoist offices (kp), UCPN-M tells cadres to retaliate against attacks (ht), Convicts in poll fray: Dhungel candidacy may be scrapped, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Westminsterial system, says RPP (kp), RPP sticks to parliamentary democracy: For constitutional president, parliament-elected executive head (ht), Major parties still at odds over federal blueprint (ht), Madhesi parties adopt populist approach to lure women voters, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Locals Unimpressed With Major Parties' Development Agenda, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), EC asks Home Ministry to seize unwarranted vehicles (kp), India-promised vehicles arriving shortly (ht), Observers raise alarm against code violations (kp), Koirala, seven others cautioned for violating poll code (rep), Breaking the code: Election campaigning (rep), Two parties field same candidate (ht), Higher invalid vote percentage likely, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Nepal ranked 121st in global gender gap report (kp), Squatters, Ethnic Factor Could Sway Poll, by Om Astha Rai and Rohit Rai (rep), Minimizing violence: The second CA election is going to be tricky in terms of security challenges but there are things we can do to minimize violence, by Rohit Karki (rep)

25/10/2013: The morning after: The 12.3 million Nepali voters have no illusions about an election that is being foisted on them (nt), EC plans early supply of poll logistics, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC lifts restriction on election observers (ht), Adhikaris resume their strike (ht), Murder convict unfit for CA race: EC (kp) [He's fit for jail only!!], Election code breach rampant (kp), 2 Maoist parties’ cadres clash at several places (kp), UCPN (M) and UML cadres clash in Gorkha, 12 injured (nn), UCPN (M) candidate in Taplejung seriously injured in CPN-M attack, 15 more wounded (nn), UCPN-M chief obstructed (ht), CPN-M impose bandh in Siraha to thwart Dahal’s poll campaign (nn), Commoners suffer as CPN-Maoist tries to stop Dahal, by Om Astha Rai and Gopal Dahal (rep), Bhattarai’s publicity car set on fire (ht) [Baidya's strange view of non-violence!!], Anti-poll actions never acceptable for govt: Home Minister (nn), Congress launches manifesto (ht), NC vows federalism deal in 6 CA months, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [??], NC to settle state boundaries within 6 months of poll: Proposes owning up all agreements reached in previous CA (rep), NC's Manifesto: Main Focus On Agriculture, Water Resources, Tourism (rep), FSPN for 14-state federation (kp), FSP unveils manifesto, supports 14-pradesh model (ht), FSPN For Directly-elected Executive Prez (rep), MTF, TMSP for single Madhes province (rep), Communities’ rights still contentious (ht), Accountability, not just democracy: A platform for national accountability must first be built at the local level, by Narayan Adhikari and Blair Glencorse (kp), Staking the CA-2 election: Right or wrong?, by Anand Aditya (ht), Voting with a vengeance: Electing new faces is the only way to punish and push out discredited leaders, by Bihari K. Shrestha (nt), Free, fair, and fear-free: High political stakes and polarised sentiment threaten to undermine electoral integrity and security, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Troubled leaders, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Why We Should Vote On Nov 19: Development of the country is an issue, yes, but institutionalization of democratic values is even more important, by Abhisek Adhikari (sp)

24/10/2013: Adhikari couple to resume hunger strike from today (ht), Adhikari couple to resume fast-unto-death (kp), Govt: 10-day Maoist banda a major threat; Government taking measures to foil the strike and ensure normalcy, by Anil Giri (kp), CPN-Maoist cadres out to spoil CA polls (kp), Govt fiat against anti-poll elements: Regmi tells ministers, secretaries to ensure free, fair and credible elections (ht), Parties finalise PR lists: More than 11,000 candidates to contest for 335 seats, by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), EC discloses closed lists under PR for 122 parties, by Gani Ansari (rep), Intent to mislead (ht), Hollow promises: Guarantees that parties have made in their poll manifestos are unrealistic (kp), TMLP Madhes agenda: 1 autonomous province; Manifesto says Tharus should also be accommodated (kp), TMDP calls for single Madhes Pradesh: Supports president as ceremonial head and parliamentary form of government (ht), TMDP roots for single autonomous Tarai-Madhesh state, by Jivesh Jha (rep), How Madhesi parties envision a future Madhes (ht), NC to announce its manifesto today (nn), Top guns face tough poll test, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), In Tarai, UCPN (Maoist) to pull out all the stops: In a turn, top leaders are running from Tarai constituencies (kp), Election officials to allow chopper use for campaign in emergencies (kp), NHRC to deploy monitoring teams (ht), Madhes parties seek constituency in Muslims, by Pranab Kharel (kp), First tragedy, then farce? We will likely again see a division in the new CA between members elected through FPTP and those from PR, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Women leaders struggling to gain political foothold, by Anjali Subedi (rep)

23/10/2013: Revised PR lists submitted at EC: Discontentment rife in major parties, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Parties Submit Amended Lists For PR Candidates (rep), UML focus on jobs, new infrastructure: Proposes promulgating new constitution in a year, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-UML unveils its manifesto (ht), UML pledges woman cadidate in one of 4 top state offices (rep) [This does not sound credible against the background of the few female uml candidates for the FPTP system!!], UML's Economic Agenda: Employment Generation, Hydropower, Infrastructure (rep), Big Parties In Consensus On Three-tier Judiciary: Sharply divided over several other issues, by Gani Ansari (rep), MJF-N hangs on autonomous Madhes state (kp), MJF-N vows to protect Madhes: Party says in manifesto it will prevent region from splitting (ht), MPRF-N sticks to autonomous Madhes, executive prez, by Jivesh Jha (rep), RJP proposes unitary system, by Amtita Anmol (kp), Rastriya Janamorcha unveils election paper (ht), Tough fight as heavyweights run for Valley seats, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), No smooth sailing for three top guns, by Janak Nepal (kp), Votes for party committed to dev works: Chepangs (kp), Clash of titans: Security agencies and parties must coordinate to prevent cadre clashes (kp) [Especially the party leaders must teach their cadres to behave!!], NHRC expresses concern over clashes (ht), The way it is: Political leaders can only be as good as the society they come from, the masses they manage and the culture they tread through, by Bipin Shah (kp), Parties, Candidates Immersed In Electioneering, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), It's the economy: The rhetoric of advancing the economy is not going to help; Parties should tackle corruption, red-tape and inefficiency, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (rep), Political parties assure dual citizenship, voting rights to NRNs (nn), CPN-M cadres throw acid on a woman (nn)

22/10/2013: Intra-party fights leave security forces on toes, by Manish Gautam (kp), 5 injured as Maoist, NC cadres clash, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp), NC, UCPN-M cadres clash in Rukum (ht), Govt shortlists 2 firms for ID card project, by Anil Giri (kp), Bid time for I-card printing ends today (kp), Anti-poll parties to widen stir area: 33-party alliance to form local mechanisms to press protests (kp), Action after Oct 21, warn agitating parties: Say they will not take up arms but will do all it requires to foil elections, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), One step back: Given the nomination of candidates for the polls, it is hard to imagine a 33 percent presence of women in the upcoming CA, by Maina Dhital (kp), Use of troops: If the NA is given a prominent role during the election without clearly defining its role in law, the legitimacy of the elections will be open to question, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Faith in writing: Election manifestos of major parties indicate the formation of a new constitution, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [How this? There are major differences in most of the important issues which have never been discussed since the first CA was dissolved!!], EC briefs diplomatic corps (ht), Electing better representatives: Will negative voting work?, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ht), EC ponders copter use in more districts for canvassing: Parties say roads impassable in several districts, by Gani Ansari (rep), Maoist-proposed electoral model may stifle political diversity, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Maoists shift on anti-India stance (rep), Madhesi parties differ on language, by Jivesh Jha (rep), RPP proposes seven provinces with two in Tarai-Madhes (rep)

21/10/2013: 12.6m ballot papers at the ready for PR vote: Commission prints FPTP ballots for 67 constituencies (kp), FSPN favours cooperative federalism (kp), Big 3 under free, quality education oath; vow swift academic changes, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Parties have health care high on their agenda, by Manish Gautam (kp), Federalism will break country: KC (kp) [No, it will only break the inequality between centre and periphery as well as the dominance of central elites!!], UCPN (Maoist) sets ambitious economic agenda (rep), Alam’s widow files poll candidacy, by Laxmi Sah (kp), Boots on the ground: Maintaining poll security will require political intelligence and negotiation (kp), Parties in blame-game for CA failure, by Arjun Bhandari (kp), Kavre cops soft on Maoist leaders: Report to apex court makes no mention of murder charges against them, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), UCPN (Maoist) candidates violating poll code (rep), CPN-M can be given 26 nominated seats if they behave: Dahal (nn) [This would be against the interim constitution, Mr Dahal! How can you make such statements??], CPN-M steps up anti-poll campaign: Maoist rival attacked in Pyuthan, candidates threatened (ht), Rival party candidates share stage in Gorkha (ht), Non-linear peace process: Elections key to its success, by Hari Bansh Jha (ht), Maoists Consciously Avoid Proposing Dahal For Prez, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Security Experts, Youths Decry Idea Of Conscription: Proposal ruled out in previous CA, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Delusions of development: Manifesto is document of policies with little relation to practicalities; Unfortunately the Maoists did not have the luxury of such an option, by C.K. Lal (rep), Troubling message: What will a NC sympathizer do if he recalls the images of Khum Bahadur's hero welcome before casting his vote?, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

20/10/2013: ID card printing from Wednesday (kp), EC volte face on voter I-card: To seek help from private sector, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), EC prepares detailed plan for printing voter ID cards, by Gani Ansari (rep), UCPN (M) for 11 states, 24 autonomous regions, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), UCPN-M unveils commitment paper (ht), UCPN (Maoist) manifesto for 11 provinces (rep), 7 states may be enough: NC (kp), Congress finalises manifesto (ht), Small Madhesi parties for executive PM,ceremonial prez, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Economic development: Three major parties set ambitious goals (kp), NA troops begin poll duty today (kp), Army to be deployed for poll security from today (ht), Army Yet To Reach Remote Constituencies (rep), Nepal Police, APF chiefs on foreign trip in run-up to CA elections (ht) [??], Modi for Nepal Hindu state: Thapa (kp) [It's absolutely unimportant what fundamentalist Indian politicians want for Nepal!!], NA troops begin poll duty today (kp), Officials see need to plug security holes in Tarai (kp), Import of small arms on the rise in Tarai: Weapons a threat during polls, by Ravi Dahal (ht), UCPN (M) Dang member sustains bullet wounds, by Durgalal K.C. (kp), Poll candidate attacked (kp), Four bandh enforcers held (ht), 7 hurt as NC, UML cadres clash (ht), Two FPTP candidates held from gambling den, freed (ht), Saarc chief appt under EC glare (kp), Conflict victim seeks justice, by Durgalal K.C. (kp), Resolving Intra-party Conflicts, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Free and fair? With India's history of flaunting its leverage it will continue to be a decisive influence in the internal politics of its neighbors, by Dinkar Nepal (rep)

19/10/2013: Poll preparations almost over: EC; With 30 days to go, observers doubt ID plan (kp), Thirty days: November 19 vote (rep), Where locals ask what federalism is, by Shyam Sundar Shashi (kp), Limbuwan parties step up publicity campaign in east: re making a pitch for separate state with nine districts in the eastern region (ht), Sadbhawana Party unveils manifesto, by Pranab Kharel (kp), SP unveils election manifesto (ht), SP for two Tarai provinces, by Jivesh Jha (rep), NC split over federal roadmap (ht), NC Proposes Holding Local Elections Within 6 Months Of CA Polls, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), NC activists, teacher hurt in attack (kp), Election code violated in Kanchanpur (ht), Parties urged to abide by poll regulation (ht), CPN-M demanding donations from poll candidates, by Kamal Thapa (rep), NRNA looks to include agendas in parties’ election manifestos (kp), Mixed election system likely to be history for good (ht), Hydro Project Allots Rs 240 M Shares To Parties, by Dhruba Dangal (rep)

18/10/2013: EC set to print voter ID cards (kp), Call for anti-poll parties to respect people’s right to vote (kp), Government to act tough against anti-poll activities (rep), Poll-wary candidates using social functions for canvassing, by Devendra Basnet (rep), Total Indifference (ht), UCPN (Maoist) election manifesto: Party for nationalism as federal set-up base: 10-state, 14-state federalism models to be floated, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Hot issues leave locals in cold, by Shyam Sundar Shashi (kp), Parties stick to old models of forms of governance system (ht), NC hits out at Maoist executive prez stance (kp), Parties submit PR list (ht), MJF-N manifesto finalised, by Ram Kumar Kamat (kp), Parbat villagers unaware of Nov 19 vote (ht), Poll candidates using social media to reach out to voters, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), 17 Injured In Clash Over Tearing Off Of Poll Posters, by Santosh Singh (rep), NC, MPRF-D Cadres Clash In Siraha, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep), Congress demands tighter security for polls in Rukum (ht), Army and elections: Mobilisation of the Nepal Army will act as a deterrent to those opposed to elections and will help build confidence among voters, by Daman Bahadur Ghale (kp), People without a nation: A draft court ruling is attempting to limit citizenship only to those born of a Nepali mother and Nepali father, by Chin Cabrido (kp), Allow The Nepali People To Decide, by D. M. Thapa (rn), Are we becoming the slum dwellers of Asia?, by Prashaant Singh (rep)

17/10/2013: EC decides to print voters’ ID cards on its own, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Lost in the maze (ht), Parties giving final touches to manifestos (kp), UML for statute in a year, referendum on key issues, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-UML poll manifesto final, to be made public on Friday: Names of pradeshes to be decided by the elected members of the respective Pradesh Sabhas (ht), 10m ballot papers for PR election ready (kp), FSPN’s Ang Kaji gets death threat (kp), Proportionally abused: Parties are using the PR system to subvert democratic practice (kp), The voter’s dilemma: Three things are at stake in the upcoming election: nationality, democracy and inclusive justice, by Pramod Mishra (kp), The right women: The CA quota for women requires modification to prevent parties from abusing it to only bring in women from dominant groups and castes, by Aditya Bastola (kp)

16/10/2013: EC completes Nov. 19 poll preparations (ek), UCPN (M) all set to make public election manifesto with directly elected Prez as executive head (nn), NC readies election manifesto: Manifesto to reach districts in two weeks time (ek), Widespread violation of election code of conduct in Mahottari (ek), Rampant violations of election code of conduct in Mahattori (rep), UCPN (M) cadres seize NC's publicity materials (ek), UCPN (Maoist) seizes NC election materials in Rukum, by Kamal Thapa (ht)

15/10/2013: Security problem in polling booths (ek), Security problem in polling booths in Banke (rep), NC, CPN-Maoist cadres clash, 10 injured (ek), NC‚ CPN-Maoist cadres clash in remote Mugu village‚ 10 injured (ht), NC, CPN-Maoist cadres clash in Mugu, 10 injured (rep), Deadline to submit revised list of PR candidates expires (nn)

14/10/2013: Hello Sarkar to continue service during Dashain festival (ek)

13/10/2013: 7.4 million ballot papers printed (nn)

12/10/2013: Ballot printing for direct vote in the offing, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), UCPN (Maoist) cadres attacked (kp), Alam laid to rest; UML picks wife Nejma for poll (ek)

11/10/2013: EC now plans ‘temporary’ voter I-cards , by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), How EC techies sabotaged the Voter ID card project (ht), FPTP candidates given poll symbols (rep), Security Challenges Abound As Poll Date Nears, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), UML candidate Alam dead, by Manish Gautam (kp), Body taken home; demos in Bara, by Laxmi Sah and Pawan Yadav (kp), Alam declared dead: Body brought home; Bara shrouded in grief (ht), Baidya backs off; party now opts ‘gentle boycott’, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Elections round the corner, people confused who to vote, by Tekendra Deuba (kp), Watching the watchers: The country is shutting down for the holidays and will open up for elections. What is an election observer to do?, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), A rich man’s world: Economic deregulation and liberalisation in Nepal have only made the rich richer and the poor poorer, by Bhim Prasad Bhurtel (kp), The party that can throw the best party: This festival season coincides with campaigning and will tell us a lot about the culture of Nepali politics, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt)

10/10/2013: FPTP candidate lists out in all 240 constituencies: EC to make final lists public today (rep), EC drops voter ID card plan, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Big 3 stick to past stances on governance systems (rep), Election manifestos: Parties poles apart: Exec prez, single-identity federalism Maoist agenda (kp), Nepali Congress sticks to parliamentary system (kp), UML clear on key issues, at odds over PM candidate (kp), Madhesi parties' manifesto harps on fertilizer availability, loan waiver, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Address women's issues: Activists (kp), Four heavyweights in Sarlahibut voters don’t care a damn, by Rajesh Mishra and Aman Koirala (kp), FSP publicity campaign offers a rare sight (ht), Potential spoiler: There is no need for a heavy-handed security approach this election (kp), Will '08 results indicate voting trends this time?, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Where the titans clashed: Kathmandu-1 is a far cry from being the battlefield of Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Madan Bhandari in the upcoming elections, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Our intellectuals and academicians: They are no less to blame, by Mukul Sharma Bashistha (ht)

09/10/2013: ‘Committed’ Regmi vows storm-free Nov election, by Anil Giri (kp), 8 central Tarai districts ‘security-sensitive’, by Laxmi Sah (kp), 185 candidates withdraw from FPTP race: Ec to publich final lists of candidates today, by Gani Ansari (rep) (rep), Proxies pit themselves against some top guns, by Dewan Rai and Bhdra Sharma (kp), Top NC, Maoist leaders fail to dissuade rebels (rep), Candidates at a loss sans party manifestos, by Kumar Luintel and Byas Shankar Upadhyay (ht), Madhes parties' manifestos: Most of ’em for 2 provinces in plains (kp), Madhesi parties divided over system of governance, by Jivesh Jha (rep), RPP-N pitches for monarchy, Hindu state, by Binod Ghimire (kp), RPP-N first party to go public with election manifesto (rep), RPP-Nepal manifesto calls for constitutional monarchy in country (ht), Parties would try to forge consensus on vital issues of constitution drafting immediately after polls: Dahal (nn) [This would have been necessary ahead of the polls!!], Agitating front to launch anti-poll movement after Dashain, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), All that our leaders lack is serious commitment, by Manoj Kumar Shrestha (ht), Educating voters, a challenge the EC, parties confront, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Choose your leader: A prime ministerial candidate from each party for the upcoming elections would reduce intra-party feuds later and ensure a stable government, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Voters’ sovereignty: Voting with options, by Pranav Bhattarai (ht), Security To Poll Candidates Poses A Challenge, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Elections amidst challenges: The expenditure of the CA I elections was only Rs 2.81 billion; The expenditure for CA II electionsis expected to exceed 30 billion, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep)

08/10/2013: Nice guys finish last: Spaces allocated for the marginalised and disadvantaged in the CA are going to inept leaders, profit makers, political losers and criminals, by Bidushi Dhungel (kp), Falling short: Inclusiveness in election (rep), EC publishes list of FPTP candidates: 6,343 candidacies filed, 610 women in fray (ht), FPTP candidates' lists in all 240 constituencies out (rep), Govt begins assessing poll security situation: Army use plan not targeted at any party: Home Minister (kp), Security Forces Brace For Explosives Before And During Polls, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Poll candidates: demand PSO, by Diwakar Bhandari and Prabhat Jha (kp), Many Madhes-centric parties fielding Pahade candidates (kp), CPN-M sends letters to candidates: Leaders in the fray say CA elections inevitable, no one can stop them (ht), CPN-M anti-poll orientation (kp), Adhikari murder case: Rights body claims govt buckled under pressure (kp) [This also has to do with the fact that the judiciary is no longer independent since the Chief Justice became head of the executive!!!!!], Vehicles with Indian number plates banned in Nawalparasi (ht), Migrants returning in droves (ht), Partial transition: It is proven time and again that violence, once accepted as a legal means to demand change, sets as an atavaism in society, by Dinkar Nepal (rep)

07/10/2013: Parties snub inclusion in FPTP vote: As number of women Dalit, Janajati candidates fall, NC fails to field a single Dalit person (kp) [Such non-inclusive parties are not able to guarantee an inclusive federal state under a new constitution! The people should remember this when they cast their votes!!], Big parties deny women candidates a fair share: Paying lip service to inclusive politics; Fringe forces give more space to females (ht), Candidate Selection And Internal Democracy In Parties, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), 'Most women FPTP candidates just fielded for formality' (rep), 24 women in FPTP race in Saptari (ht), Madhesi Parties Fielding Fewer Young Candidates, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Maoists fail to nominate ex-combatants for CA polls (rep), What is a secular nation? Nepal as a ‘secular state’ has so far had no visible effects, save the abolition of kingship, and some changes in festive calendars and judicial matters, by Gérard Toffin (kp), Voter ID plan likely to fall flat (kp), Writ against restrain on poll observers (kp), Candidates seek personal security (kp), Campaigns in full swing in Rolpa (ht), Top Madhes party leaders shy away from Hill constituencies, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Alam’s survival chances ‘slim’ (kp), Muslims demo against attack, by Laxmi Sah (kp), Panel formed to probe shooting incident (ht), On guard: Government must pay attention to armed outfits, not just CPN-Maoist (kp), Security worries (ht), Poll activities slacken in Bara (ht), Baidya party cadres launch ‘donation drive’ in Panchthar (kp), Ravaged police posts yet to be rebuilt, by Rajendra Nath (kp), Parties dilly-dallying with their manifestoes: Leaders say they were too busy with candidates’selection to declare their agendas in paper (ht) [So far, election manifestos have never been worth the paper they have been written on!!], Three major parties disclose economic agendas: Propose making bandhs history,focus on economic prosperity complementedby social justice (ht)

06/10/2013: Nepal Army preparations for poll deployment begin: Regional-level security meetings set to begin from Monday, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Bara UML candidate shot at: Govt forms high-level probe panel (kp), Attack on Alam leaves Muslims in shock (rep), Alam’s health worsens further (kp), Alam’s health deteriorating: TUTH doctor (ht), Candidates Want More Security, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Ethnic, regional factors sway candidate selections (rep), Parties working on manifestos now (kp), Being Madhesi in Kathmandu: It is the responsibility of every citizen, not just politicians, to rise above caste and skin colour and stand up to discrimination wherever it occurs, by Rita Sah (kp), Between a rock and a hard place: Postponing polls is still a viable option if it will help bring the CPN-Maoist on board the political process, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp) [The current CPN-M cannot be compared to that one of 10 years ago! Nepal can no longer bow to anarchist rioters, though this does not excuse the irresponsible and to a greater part illegal behaviour of the other parties and their leaders!!], CPN-M asks candidates to pull back (kp), 33-party alliance asks candidates to withdraw from poll race (rep), We will not raise arms, says Baidhya: 33 parties appeal to candidates to withdraw from election (ht), CPN-Maoist intensifies donation drive (ht), Past's the guide: The army can be deployed only through a set procedure and it is deployed to prevent violence, not to instigate it, by Deepak Gurung (rep)

05/10/2013: 122 parties file names for PR seats (kp), 122 parties submit their closed lists for PR election (ht), 122 parties submit lists of PR candidates (rep), 121 parties submit closed list of candidates for PR system (nn), Candidacy filing in districts encouraging, parties in election campaign (nn), Time not enough for debate on poll, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), UML poll candidate shot at; critically injured: Mohammad Alam airlifted to Kathmandu from Bara; CDO urges candidates to work with cops while campaigning, by Laxmi Sah, Bhusan Yadav and Pawan Yadav (kp), Strong UML FPTP contender shot at in Bara, by Diwakar Bhandari and Sujit Aryal (ht), UML candidate undergoes surgery, but condition still not stable (nn), EC frets about security; UML flays ‘cowardly’ act (kp), Govt vows foolproof security for candidates, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), ‘Gangster’ postsRs 30m bail, freed (kp), Ganesh Lama secures release on bail to contest elections (ht) [??????????????????????????????], Parties flayed for fielding murder-accused, corrupt lot (ht), Two arrested for shutting Limbuwan (ht)

04/10/2013: Regmi’s follies: If not too late, Khil Raj Regmi should give up his second chair as Chief Justice to bring the Maoists on board for elections, and to preserve peace, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp), Country immerses in election, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Poll fever takes off as leaders file nominations (kp), Over 5,000 file papers for FPTP polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), FPTP candidacies filed nationwide, by Gani Ansari (rep), Chepang Candidates In Poll Fray, by Chadani Hamal (rep), Political parties submitting closed list of candidates for PR election today (nn), Top NC, Maoist leaders face rebel candidates (rep), District poll offices abuzz with activity (kp), UML candidate shot in Bara (nn), Maoist party cadres clash; 12 hurt (kp), Cadres of Maoist parties clash (ht), Slapper Kunwar to fight Dahal the ballot way (kp), Chef who slapped Dahal contesting against him (ht), Nepal in quest of sanity, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Failed experiment: New Delhi’s overt and covert efforts to influence Nepali politics haven’t been in India’s own national interest, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Heading For Confrontations? After failure to reach consensus on elections issue, Nepal’s major political parties are heading for confrontations (sp), Freudian Glimpses of Raw Wounds, by Dipak Gyawali (sp)

03/10/2013: Parties to file nominations for FPTP poll system today, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC Set To Register FPTP Candidacies Today, by Gani Ansari (rep), Three major parties finalise FPTP list (ht), Madhes parties sew up candidature deal (kp), Madhesi Parties Pick Candidates From Diverse Communities, by Jivesh Jha (rep), FSP, RJN declare their FPTP list (ht), Disgruntled cadres vandalise UML office: NC, RPP-N workers also dissatisfied with choice of candidates (ht) [The destruction of public and private property is obviously a fundamental right of every Nepali!!], Candidate selection fuels dissent in NC, UML (rep), Disgruntled leaders quit parties over poll nominations (rep), Parties Ignornig Gender Inclusion, by Chandani Hamal (rep), Dialogue door shut, says CPN-M (kp), CPN-M to intensify anti-poll campaign (ht), CPN-Maoist to stop poll canvassing in villages, by Kiran Pun (rep), Ban on licensed arms (kp), Make The Election Free And Fair, by Gyan Basnet (rn), Degenerating Democratic Values, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Regmi, HLPC Not Serious About CPN-Maoist Demand, interview with Narayankaji Shrestha, UCPN-M (rep)

02/10/2013: Regmi makes light of ‘petty’ anti-poll parties (kp), New legislation aims to ensure 40 percent women in local bodies, by Dewan Rai (kp), Plan to help female candidates (kp), Courting trouble: The judiciary must remain vigilant during polls, as a large number of security forces are due to be deployed in 12 ‘most sensitive’ Tarai districts, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Adhikaris threaten to resume fast (ht), Hearing against Regmi continues (ht), Hearings On Petitions Against Prez Move Start (rep), Support crackdown on anti-poll activities: Carter Center (ht), Give them time: Giving Baidya some more time to prepare for the election will do the country more good than harm, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), CPN-M announces end of dialogue process calling Nov polls a 'sham' (nn), UCPN-M, Congress facing tough time with selection (ht), Fill the void (ht), Major parties finalise FPTP candidates amid objection (nn)

01/10/2013: 124 parties apply for polls under PR system (kp), 124 parties contesting under PR system (ht), 124 Parties File Applications For PR System, by Gani Ansari (rep), On current balance, Nov 19 vote is on: Polls will go ahead so long as 5 key players stand in their favour, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Cadres as temp cops a threat, say stakeholders (ht), Parties officially start election donation drive (ht), Critical presence: The discourse on women’s representation requires activists to strongly demand a 33 percent presence in the upcoming CA, by Chandra Bhadra (kp), Will Nepal vote for peace? Former chief election commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel provides important lessons for the upcoming CA elections, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Nepal Army in the election: A limited and psychological role, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht),  CA Election And Safety Issues, by Prem Khatry (rn)

30/09/2013: Adhikari murder accused released without facing lawsuit (nn), Nefin presses for representation in Assembly polls (kp), Nomination process begins today, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), NC top guns’ constituencies okayed (kp), UCPN (M), UML name candidates for remote, mountain districts: Maoist party also finalises top leaders’ election constituencies (kp), SP okays 57 candidates (kp), Madhesi Parties Select Constituencies For Heavyweights (rep), CPN-M to miss the election boat: Parties to file nominations for polls under proportional representation system today, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Party registration under PR system concludes (nn), Ban to Regmi: All-party polls important (kp), Crack crisis, poll-shy parties tell Big 4 (kp), Shrestha calls for poll deferral (kp), Narayan Kaji for deferring polls (rep), EC party ranking row reaches apex court (kp), Armed outfit leader held (kp), Justice sidelined: The agenda of conflict victims has been undermined and ignored; it is time to ask political leaders: why should we vote for you?, by Ram Bhandari (kp), Upcoming Poll And Political Undercurrent, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Democracy in danger: We still have demagogues profiting from Maoist doctrine that is posing as a big hurdle to the democratic process, by Ganga Thapa (rep)

29/09/2013: ‘Foolproof’ election security nationwide: Security mechanisms on high alert in all districts, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-M writes to UN not to support Army deployment: Party says plan against peace pacts and Interim Constitution; Chairman Mohan Baidya in talks with European mission chiefs (kp), Baidya writes to Ban against NA's poll deployment, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), CPN-M shoots off letter to UN Secy General (ht), 33 smaller parties' alliance calls for talks again (nn), Candidate selection: Main parties to meet EC deadline (kp), Women empowerment ‘losing momentum’ (kp), Election related materials looted (ht), ‘Parties should clarify on polls’: People have doubts CA elections will happen on Nov 19: Mahato (ht), Let experts draft constitution, says CPN-M secy (ht), Back To Square One, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Trust Deficit: Political leaders have failed to explain to Nepalis how they stand to benefit from federalism and secularism, by Mukesh Khanal (rep), Effective policing: Should we adopt the American style or continue with Bihari style of policing, by Ananda Jha (rep)

28/09/2013: Voter identity card printing will begin in a week, says EC; Officials say the 13 millioncards will be distributed by Nov 15 (kp), China delivers election logistics to Kathmandu (kp), Tourism industry seeks ‘no banda’ promises (kp), CPN-Maoist cadres apply for temporary police posts (ht), Rightsizing The Parliament, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn), RTI And Corruption Control, by Dipesh Kumar Ghimire (rn)

27/09/2013: Supreme Court damper on murder convicts’ poll hopes, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Murder convicts can’t contest CA polls: SC: Election Ordinance upheld; Order means Balkrishna Dhungel barred from filing candidacy, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), 33-party bloc to go all out against CA election: Protest programmes include sustained general strike following the festivals (kp) [True Nepali revolutionaries only boycott elections, not festivals!!], 33 parties announce 10-day bandh (ht), Status update on opportunism: A study of Baburam Bhattarai’s utterances would indicate that they are directed at destroying the people’s self-esteem; There is just no ideology there, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Bar takes up Regmi as CJ issue with Ban (ht), Beyond tolerance: The next bandh, by James Rinaldi (ht), Observing the observers: Politicians and their proxy government is pitted against the people, by Bihari K. Shrestha (nt)

26/09/2013: Politics of presence: Leaders in the major parties assume they can speak for everyone, with a patronising hint that others are not ready to take charge, by Deepak Thapa (kp) Prospective poll candidates fear attacks, seek security, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), UCPN (M) entices CPN-M leaders with CA seat vows, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Two MPRF-D leaders defect to MPRF-R, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep), CPN-M looks for banda alternative to foil election, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-Maoist seeks donation from Dahal; Election code applies only to parties taking part in polls: EC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [Forced donations are a crime, independent if they are demanded by parties taking part in the elections or other groups!!], Breaking bad: CPN-Maoist’s continued anti-election activities will only alienate the public (kp), Hunt for controversy stirrer Irish, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp), German envoy denies remarks on bandas (rep) [Maybe, it would have been diplomatically wrong, but it would have been true and necessary either!!], Voter Education In Full Swing In Siraha, by Upendra Yadav (rep) [It is more necessary to educate the politicians than the voters!!], Heavy security could terrify voters: MJF-N (ht), Writ Petition Seeks Vote For Nepalis Abroad (rep), Carter Center announces launch of int'l election observation mission to Nepal (nn), Upcoming CA polls: Ensuring Broad-based Participation, Ownership, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Going To Polls Sans Baidya-led Alliance?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Presidential failures: President Ram Baran Yadav's hasty defense of Shambhu Thapa once again exposed his penchant for jumping to conclusions without weighing the facts, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), We have lost the power to decide on our behalf, interview with Bhojraj Pokhrarel, Chief Election Commissioner in 2008 (rep), Unending chaos, by Subarna Chhetri (rep)

25/09/2013: Prez okays Army role in polls (kp), 500 leaders, cadres part ways with CPN-Maoist: Mahendra Paswan and Rabindra Patel announce the new CPN-Maoist (Revolutionary) (kp), Madhesi leaders of CPN-Maoist quit party en masse (nn), CPN-M goes on extortion spree, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M warns parties not to file candidacy (ht), Thapa warns of armed struggle (ht), No option to nat'l consensus: Dev Gurung (nn), What impact will a Baidya-led poll boycott have?, by Kiran Pun (rep), Tarun Dal to deploy 700,000 youths (kp) [The polling stations are not a place for party cadres!!!], NSU to deploy 50 youth in each booth (ht), EC cautions diplomats over remarks on CA poll, by Gani Ansari (rep), Disillusioned District Leaders Switching Parties, by Dilip Poudel (rep), Major Parties Gear Up Selection Of Poll Candidates (rep), Major Parties Ready For November Polls, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn)

24(09/2013: SC allows murder convicts to contest polls: Nepal Bar Association flays apex court order; it says the decision will promote impunity, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [????????????????????????????????????????? A murderer is a murderer and it is absolutely unimportant if his/her crime was politically motivated!!!!!], Apex court allows murder convicts to contest polls, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Don't implement poll provision on candidacy of convicts: SC to govt (rep), 33-party bloc not to leave protest path (kp), Constitution from streets: Baidya (ht) [Murderers as candidates, constitution from the streets, what kind of state is this???], Invoke Article 158 to use army for polls: HLPC (ht), President removes constitutional hurdle to mobilize army during election (nn), EC unveils policy on gender and inclusion (rep), Time for action: Parties must raise issues of gender-based violence in election manifestos (kp), Diplomatic debacle: Successive fiascos in diplomacy have eroded Nepal’s international image and prestige, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), The bandas must end: There is nothing peaceful about bandas; they are enforced by violence and the explicit threat of violence, by Peter Bodde (kp)

23/09/2013: Govt now gears up to clear hurdle in Army deployment (kp), Nepali Army to supplement poll security: EC (ht), Four-tier security mechanism for polls, by Gani Ansari (rep), Cabinet recommends President to remove constitutional hurdle, approve army mobilization during election (nn), Negative Aspect Of Deploying The NA For Polls, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), To the polls: Nomination disputes are part of the election campaign, which has finally started (kp), Leaders quitting parties for tickets, by Byashshankar Upadhyay (ht), Revolutions fail due to compromise: Baidhya (ht), Training for CPN-M cadres (ht), Old laws remain, rape cases go on, by Weena Pun (kp) [This is the politicians' idea of a new Nepal!], Dahal tells India not to ‘micromanage’ Nepal (kp), Armed group commander held, by Bhushan Yadav (kp), Tarai outfit leaders nabbed: Police term arrests ‘big catches’in run-up to CA election (ht), I am absolutely certain that elections will be held on Nov 19, interview with Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Uprety (kp), The dashing Maoists: The most important player of Nepali politics today is the army and there is just no reason for it to humor Dash Maoists; Baidya should realize limits of his obstinacy, by C.K. Lal (rep)

22/09/2013: In a first, GIS mapping in polls, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Banda withdrawn (kp), CPN-M ups donation drive in Rukum (kp) [Compulsory donations from the poor to disrupt the fundamental rights of the people???], 33-party alliance ‘to foil nominations’: Says mobilising army during polls will invite conflict (ht), Murder convict warns of disrupting elections: Dhungel openly appealing for votes; Rights bodies express dissatisfaction (ht) [???? Bring this man behind bars!! Parties with criminal or corrupt candidates should not be voted for!!!], Remove constitutional hurdle before deploying army in election: President to IEC Chair (nn), Out of ideas: By repeatedly provoking India and disrupting internal peace, it is the CPN-Maoist that is creating fertile ground for Sikkimisation, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp)

21/09/2013: This election tipped to be tight as a tick (ht), 51 groups to deploy 74,000 observers: EC allows 49 national, two int’l organisations to monitor the November 19 polls, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-M warns of fresh rebellion (ht), 33-party alliance shelves shutdown over nomination (ht), NA floats Rs 3.5-bn budget for elections (ht), NHRC vacancies: ‘Appoint independent commissioners’: Human Rights Watch terms the void government’s deliberate blow to the rights watchdog (kp)

20/09/2013: Dates put off by seven days; last change in poll plan: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Candidates get another week to file nominations: CEC confident about timely polls (ht), Date syndrome (ht), SC hearing on writs against Regmi begins (ht), Device for despots: Talk of a referendum by some political leaders is irresponsible, incomprehensible and irrelevant, by Bipin Shah (kp), Towards a satisfactory peace: The UN’s experience in rehabilitating nearly 3,000 ex-Maoist combatants shows that rehabilitation is not a straightforward process, by Shoko Noda (kp), Election and international community: Lack of serious concern, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht)

19/09/2013: Candidate nomination: Under pressure, EC mulls rescheduling dates a ‘wee bit’, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties running for Nov 19 CA elections in race against time: Most of them yet to start candidate selection (ht), Week's extension of nomination deadline likely, by Gani Ansari (rep), EC tweaks date for registration of candidacy without affecting final date (nn), Public asked to submit legal arms, for now, by Manish Gautam (kp), Final effort: Flexibility from all quarters can still bring the CPN-Maoist on board polls (kp), 61,000 army personnel to be deployed for poll security, but Nepal Police will still handle crucial security matters (nn), Murder convict Dhungel openly seeking votes (ht) [???? Parties with criminal or corrupt candidates should not be voted for!!!], Reporters urged not to collect poll-related news (ht), Country saw 57 bandhs in a year (ht), After top officials’ retirement, four options to fill NHRC void, by Dewan Rai (kp), NHRC, Unicef urge not to use children in politics (kp), Lumpen nationalism: Slurs against Indians and the Indian football team are deeply rooted in sectarianism, high caste Hinduism and provincialism, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Small incidents like Dhulikhel shouldn't obscure big picture, interview with CPN-Maoist Secretary Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ (rep)

18/09/2013: 601-seat CA plan wins Prez sanction (kp), Prez paves way for election of 601-strong CA: Invokes Article 158,setting the country on path to Nov 19 vote (ht), Govt, HLPC headed for poll without Baidya alliance, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Changing poll schedule may affect election: Upreti (ht), Election security: 16 districts on list of ‘most sensitive’areas, by Manish Gautam (kp), Plan to deploy Army (kp), Small arms in Tarai pose big security challenge, by Ravi Dahal (ht), CPN-M demands unpalatable: Political scientists (ht), Shocked, CPN-M cries foul (kp), 33-party alliance sees no meaning in holding further talks with major political parties (nn), Baidya wants its demands reconsidered, by Kiran Pun (rep), Rethink our demands: 33-party alliance; ‘Candidates will be abducted at the time of registering’ (ht), Gender monirity in election fray, by Anjali Subedi (rep), Patriotic plots: An analysis of two facets of the debate on nationalism—the focus and the time dimension—leads to four different typologies, by Narayan Manandhar (kp),  Consensus and competition: Crucial decisions to make, by Sanoj Tulachan (ht)

17/09/2013: President removes constitutional hurdle, CA to be 601-member (nn), Regmi refuses to resign as CJ; crucial talks falter, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Regmi refuses to give up CJ post (ht), Nov 19 polls in limboas talks break down: Leaders keep door for negotiations ajar, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), No rescheduling vote, Regmi won’t quit as CJ: UML (ht), 33 parties’ banda hits western districts (kp), Bandh paralyses west, mid-west regions (ht), No country for violence: Enforcing bandas violently cannot be justified and must be condemned (kp) [Not only condemned, it must be severely punished because it is crime culture!!], Bandhs too many (ht), NHRC, rights bodies slam Kavre bus arson (ht), Two CPN-M cadres arrested for setting passengers bus on fire in Dhulikhel (nn), CPN-Maoist cadres, involved in arson during bandh, remanded to judicial custody (nn), Major parties to go to election without Baidya alliance (nn), Bid to ensure fair share for women in CA (ht), CA Election And Nepali Women, by Prem Khatry (rn), Nine from Shankar Pokharel's family named poll candidates, by Devendra Basnet (rep) [UML inclusive as ever!!], Empty seats: The vacancy of the NHRC Commissioners might invite deteriorating human rights situation in Nepal, by Surya Bahadur Deuja (kp)

16/09/2013: Baidya camp sticks to Regmi's resignation as CJ, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), All-party meet ends in fiasco as Baidya Maoist refuses to buzz (nn), Baidya insists on ‘quit as CJ’ demand: HLPC leaders to convey CPN-M demand to Regmi, leave it on him to take a call, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [This demand is correct against the background of separation of powers, but Baidya should also pay for the damages that are caused by his hooligans!!], Violence, arson mark 33-party bloc’s banda, by Manoj Basnet (kp), Bus set ablaze for defying strike, by Raj Kumar Parajuli (ht), Bandh hits life in 13 districts (ht), CPN-M bandh paralyzes life in mid-west (nn), Parties game for putting off polls till Nov 30: To urge Regmi to quit as CJ, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Deferral plan will hit Nov election: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Huge haul of war-era weapons, by Bhim Bahadur Singh and Janak Nepal (kp), FSPN ‘ready’ to forge election tie-up (kp), Rights commission sans chief: NHRC chief, commissioner retire at end of six-year tenure (ht) [With or without NHRC, the party politicians do not respect human rights either!!], Teachers quit their jobs to contest CA election (ht) [The Chief Justice, in grave violation of the constitution, can be head of government but teachers are not allowed to candidate for elections!!??], Sexual minorities urge parties to include their agendas in manifestos (ht), Life of dignity still a far away dream for Badis of Dipayal, by Tekendra Deuba (ht), Businessmen rue donation drive (ht), Development partners express commitment to ‘strict impartiality’ for upcoming polls (nn)

15/09/2913: HLPC turns down CPN-M proposal to defer polls: May consider some technicalaspects to include dissident parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Major parties split on postponing election: UCPN-M for vote deferral; Congress, UML, Madhesi parties stand strongly opposed to the idea, by Prakash Acharya (ht), HLPC divided over Baidya's demands, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Defer polls if that helps, says Thapa (ht), Most NC leaders oppose poll deferral, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Don’t foil elections, say development partners (ht), EC proceeds with preparations for 491-member CA, by Gani Ansari (rep), Women seek more CA seats (kp), MPRF-R, TMDP-N Quit UDMF, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Bandh in 10 districts, locals protest, bus torched (nn), Rebellion or hollow victory? That the Maoists lifted the banda on durr day was a symbolic victory; women now need to look for bigger fish to fry, by Suman Khadka (kp), Muslim voters want their voices to be heard: Identity, security and overall political, social, cultural empowerment are major concerns, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

14/09/2013: CPN-M formally proposes poll deferral: Leaders of major parties say Baidya’s plan is positive, but they need some time to discuss it, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-M flexible, floats four demands, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Baidya Maoists now for poll conditionally, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), Madhesi parties oppose proposal to defer election, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), EU call against bandas: CPN-M says envoys violated diplomatic code (kp) [The organizers of bandhs not only violate fundamental human rights but also the laws of the country!!], Banda cripples Mid, Far West (kp), Caveats Of The Peace Process, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

13/09/2013: Dahal woos Baidya with poll deferral idea: CPN-Maoist now wants Regmi to quit as chiefjustice, not the govt, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Gurung for Regmi to lead all-party govt (kp), Prez calls all-party meet (kp), CPN-M to attend today’s meet with President: To take part in polls with Regmi at helm if he quits as chief justice (ht), CPN-Maoist not to budge on govt change, by Kiran Pun (rep), Banda paralyses Valley, eastern districts (kp), CPN-M strike cripples city life, people rise against bandh: Group of youth take out rally to protest Valley closure; Party cadres vandalise a hotel vehicle, two taxis; Four arrested (ht), Enough is enough (ht), European missions call for end to shutdown culture (ht), Kathmandu based European missions call for an end to bandh culture, say such action ‘demean’ politics (nn), CPN-M shutdown 13 districts in Bheri-Karnali region demanding poll deferral (nn), Cabinet to get security plan on Sunday, by Anil Giri and Bhadra Sharma (kp), SOS to South Asia: Nepal’s democracy is being manipulated beyond the point of no return; Does the regional and international community really believe all is going well?, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Lost cause: No justice mechanism can be a magic wand to do away with accountability for past atrocities, by Ankit Dhakal (kp), In God The Nepalis Trust, Not Leaders, by D.M. Thapa (rn), Federalism: What is it, anyway?, by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (rep), The election mirage (nt), EC Commissioner Gurung says 50 percent work related to election preparation finished (nn), Homework vital before second CA election, by Gyan Basnet (nn)

12/09/2013: Most preparations complete: EC (ht), Govt starts process to elect 601-strong CA: Regmi meets President Yadav to apprise him of HLPC request, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Regmi asked to set election ball rolling: HLPC leaders advise him not to go to New York (kp), UCPN-M pushes amendment to constitution (ht), Prez Yadav calls all-party meet for Friday (rep), UCPN (M) to tie up with pro-federal forces (kp), 33-party allianceholds anti-poll rally (kp), CP Gajurel warns major parties (ht), Tipping point: If CPN-Maoist continues to oppose polls, it will become even more marginalised (kp), Displaced families urge prez to rehabilitate them (ht), Move or become irrelevant: Political parties need to adapt to new realities like ethnic politicisation or risk being left behind, by Manish Gyawali (kp), Make It A Meaningful Democratic Exercise, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Back To 601, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

11/09/2013: CPN-M not keen; we will move on: HLPC; Cross-party mechanism set to ask Regmi to begin process of removing constitutional difficulties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Roshan Sedhai (kp), HLPC decides polls on Nov 19 sans CPN-M, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Fed Up With Baidya Camp, HLPC To Step Up Poll Preparations, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Baidhya’s party forms core group to disrupt elections (ht), HLPC asks Regmi to implement agreements reached with poll-opposing parties through constitutional amendments (nn), Minister cancels UN trip, Regmi shortens his visit, by Anil Giri (kp), Maoists to picket DAOs in all districts (ht), Adhikari murder accused arrest: UCPN (M) to picket 75 admin offices (kp) [The people should not vote for parties that protect murderers and other criminals!!], UCPN (M) nominates 12 journalists for CA proportional seats after picking journo-murderer to contest polls (nn) [???], YCL to act against insurgency era spies (ht), Election office kept in dark (ht), Depleted potential: Broadening its scope beyond transitional justice can rejuvenate the human rights agenda, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp)

10/09/2013: First priority: With just 70 days to go, govt and EC officials should focus on the election (kp), EC okays temporary cop recruitment for CA polls: Asks Home Ministry to ensure a fair, neutral and credible hiring process, by Anil Giri (kp), EC agrees to temporary hands for poll security, by Gani Ansari (rep), FSPN betwixt and between, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), New HLPC offer to woo CPN-Maoist (kp), CPN-M talks desire not lost yet (kp), CPN-Maoist insists on poll deferral, roundtable, by Thira L. Bhusal and Kiran Pun (rep), Industrialists, businessmen eyed for PR seats (ht), YCL to take up war-era cases (kp), YCL to list extra-judicial killings by state actors (ht), YCL rails against revival of conflict-era cases (rep), UCPN (M) recommends party cadre implicated in journo murder for contesting polls from Bara (nn) [?????], Karki appointment: Final court hearing begins from Jan 29 (kp) [2015 or 2020?? Without belittling the work Karki has done so far, this once again proves that the judiciary is no longer independent!!], Landless Issues Resurface As Key Political Policy: Despite recurring electoral promises, the plight of squatters remains as dire as ever, by Pragati Shahi (kp), And justice for all: The TRC cannot simply punish perpetrators; it must establish new social, political and economic parameters for the pursuit of national unity, by Gyan Basnet (kp), Costly delay (ht), Give youth a chance: The upcoming CA election is an opportunity for political leaders to accommodate young people in leadership positions, by Surath Giri and Kanchan Kharel (kp), Will He Be Back? The politicians are the new dregs of the society; Gyanendra is an emerging hero, by Naresh Koirala (rep) [Don't be afraid, he will not be back! The voters are far more intelligent than the politicians!!], Sink or swim: CPN-Maoist is clear on opposing Nov polls; the only question is how, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp)

09/09/2013: Free judiciary under threat: Lawyers (ht), Dahal accuses govt of disrupting poll process: ‘Ram Prasad Adhikari’s arrest indicates this’ (ht) [It only indicates that there is still hope for rule of law despite the impunity politics of the leading politicians!!], High-priced justice (ht), Activists say it’s high time for TRC creation (kp), Adhikari murder accused  in judicial custody, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Prez tells Regmi to set up TRC as per international standard (kp), Gray Matter: Transitional justice (rep), YCL to document Maoist cadres' extra-judicial killing (nn), UCPN (Maoist), Congress going extra mile to appease poll-opposing Baidya party (kp), Nine eastern districts won’t vote: Limbuwan (ht), Limbuwan bandh in nine eastern Nepal districts (nn), Candidates’ names of all parties sent from Nuwakot (ht), Youth Force deployment to ensure fair vote: Basnet (ht), Int’l election observers start arriving in Nepal: The first batch of observers from Carter Center and United Nations are already here, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Change of heart: Recent public and political reactions to bandas bode well for elections (kp), 3 ex-PMs, over 45 ministers contesting polls from eastern region (rep) [None of them stands for a new Nepal based on inclusion, justice and the rule of law!], Choosing women: This election, more citizens have pledged to vote for women, if only the parties give them candidacies, by Rajju Malla Dhakal and Leena Rikkila Tamang (kp), Nepali NGOs have derailed the human rights discourse, interview with Ram Bhandari (kp), Government Shows Courage, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), The Crumbling Clan: Sushil does not want to be GP but does not have it in him to aspire to be BP; The surname for him has bcome a liability, by C.K. Lal (rep)

08/09/2013: Parties take ownership of CA election: Baidhya’s party snubs meet; Armed groups’ issue raised (ht), All But One: Rai’s FSPN on board (rep), All party meeting: Fringe parties want govt to bring CPN-M on board (kp), Dahal must accept CPN-M leadership for party unity: Chand; Free accused in Adhikari murder case, says UCPN-M (ht), Adhikari killer to be in court today (ht), People defy UCPN-Maoist strike on first day of Teej (ht), UCPN (M) kneels down before public pressure; lifts banda (kp), Adhikaris want main culprits arrested before ending fast: Maoist strike rebuffed in valley (rep), Adhikari couple break their hunger strike (nn), Adhikari murder case-accused remanded to 10 days judicial custody (nn), Divide and rule: Federalism as a system of governance is not a panacea for all the ills of society but it can certainly help ameliorate them, by Pramod Bhagat (kp), A theory of negation: Whether it is politics, economy, society or culture, communists first oppose the existing order, only to later admit that they were wrong, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), 'I urge all not to doubt Nov 19 polls', interview with Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Uprety (ht), Filter Out Corrupt Candidates In CA Polls, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Cry For Justice: Since 1996 nearly 200,000 Nepalis have taken refuge in the West; Of the 17,000 killed during conflict, most would have been alive had they fled the country, by Murari Raj Sharma (rep), Sense Of Entitlement: Society cannot blame its leaders for showing self-interest when individuals who make up the society do the same, by Kristie Drucza (rep)

07/09/2013: With 5-point deal, FSPN finally on election board (kp), HLPC, FSP strike five-point deal: Attempts under way to rope in CPN-Maoist to take part in polls, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Parties ink 601-strong CA deal (rep), FDF-N feels sidelined (ht), Baidhya’s CPN-M on way to splitsville?, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Thapa ups anti-election rhetoric: Says party will use armed cadres if government mobilises NA (ht) [????], CPN-Maoist plans to disrupt polls in Bajura (ht), Election officials’ foreign trips before polls raise eyebrows (kp), Integrated poll security plan in ‘final stages’ (kp), EC begins ballot designing (kp), Siraha Dalits vow not to sell their votes for liquor (ht), Chairman Regmi leaving for 10-day US trip on Oct 21 (ht) [This shows how little the head of the government is needed in this critical phase!!], Nepal says no to ethnic federalism (ht) [You must distinguish between inclusive ethnic federalism and non-inclusive ethnic federalism! The plans of NC und UML leaders aim at the continuation of non-inclusive federalism, i.e. the continuation of Bahunbad within a federal system!!], NBA gives SC 7 days for written commitment to judicial independence, by Gani Ansari (rep), Danger Signs: SC’s quashing of cases (rep), Maoist cadre, alleged to have killed Adhikari couple's son, arrested (nn), UCPN (M) withdraws bandh in three districts following intense criticism (nn), Continuing Stalemate: Despite several efforts of major political forces, the political situation is yet to be completely conducive for the Constituent Assembly elections to be held on November 19, 2013, by Keshab Poudel (sp), CA Polls Sans CPN-M, by Tilak Rawal (sp)

06/09/2013: Removal of constitutional difficulties: SC quashes ‘irrelevant’ petitions (kp) [There is no need of another proof of the non-existence of separation of powers! A constitutional solution of the crisis would have been possible, but this would have been against the power interests of the political leaders!!], SC quashes 17 writs against Regmi appointment (ht), SC quashes 17 writ petitions without any hearings, by Gani Ansari (rep), HLPC, FSPN all set to ink deal (kp), Only CPN-Maoist led alliance now out in the cold (rep), RTC must be constitutional: Gajurel (ht), Diplomatic community’s poll support (kp), Rights activists concerned about Dahal’s statement (kp), SC summons Dahal on contempt charge (kp), SC seeks clarification from Dahal on contempt charge (rep), Women rights activists fail to capitalise on Teej, by Weena Pun (kp), On putting mind over matter: I believe awareness is the key in this matter; Women should be made conscious regarding their rights to vote and choose their own leaders and representatives, interview with Sarita Giri (rep), Former PMs for common economic agenda, by Shankar Acharya (kp), Ex-PMs get earful on their rhetoric (ht), Poll security: EC no to enlist temporary police, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Combatants to captains: “We made immense sacrifices to come this far, the parties too need to also sacrifice their self-interest for the greater good”, by Trishna Rana (nt), The end of a sibling war: A brother and sister who served on opposite sides during the conflict are now part of the same army, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt)

05/09/2013: HLPC, FSPN agree on 601 CA seats, round-table meet (kp), 601-member CA structure to be retained: HLPC (ht) [There should be no nominations by the cabinet! This provision has been totally misused in 2008!!], Ashok Rai's party decides to participate in polls (nn), Leaders reach accord but fail to ink deal: HLPC leaders want detailed agreement; FSP wants to keep silent on some issues unteil Baidya-led alliance participates, by Thira L. Bhusal (rep), EC rules out accommodating dissenting parties after Monday, by Gani Ansari (rep), First batch of ballot printing papers arriving, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), OHCHR concerned about Adhikari couple’s deteriorating health (kp) [All those so-called leaders who prevent justice should be brought behind bars! Obviously, some of them have been directly involved in the crimes!], Violation Of Ethics: By identifying two people as mentally ill amidst political protest, doctors used their creed and institutions to help detain patients against their will, by Subarna M. Dhital (rep), Right to life, or a dignified life? Court ruling to force-feed couple stokes fierce debate, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Students forced to take part in anti-poll rally in Dharan (ht), 33-party bloc warns govt, HLPC against Nepal Army deployment (kp), 33-party alliance warns against use of Nepali Army during election (ht), Safe and sound: Guidelines needed if temporary police, Army are to be deployed for poll security (kp), Serious about election security, EC tells envoys (kp), EC allays envoys, donors’ election security fears (ht), MPRF-N To Strike Electoral Deal With UCPN (Maoist), by Jivesh Jha (rep), Political parties on Morang donation spree, by Lilaballav Ghimire (kp), Learn to change: The Maoist insurgency forced an inescapable education upon both marginalised and privileged Nepalis, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Cutting The Gordian Knot, by Uttam Maharjan (rn)

04/09/2013: HLPC for 601-strong CA to attract parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC agrees to 601-member CA: Deal between HLPC and Rai's FSP likely today (rep), HLPC senses positive but vague CPN-M hint: Decides to attempt to bring Baidhya-led front on board the poll process, SC orders force-feeding Adhikari couple (kp), State’s inaction a sad state of affairs, says SC: Orders govt to save lives and make probe details public (ht), SC orders govt to make progress on probe public, by Gani Ansari (rep), AHRC appeals govt to save Adhikari couple (ht), Cops closing in on Adhikari’s killers (ht), Dahal urges Regmi to stop Adhikari murder probe (rep), Dahal warns against Adhikari murder probe, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Maoist boss warns against opening conflict-era cases (kp) [A Nepal that stands for impunity and against democracy and justice has no future!!], Giri ends hunger strike (kp), Govt fails to end Adhikari couple's hunger strike again (nn), Families of disappeared remain neglected, by Dilip Poudel (rep), Parties taking systematic approach: In bid to field clean and competent leaders for CA polls, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), The political triad: Leaders must take a clear stand on nationalism, democracy and development before going to polls, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Conflict and consensus: Nepal needs a federal structure that guarantees the rights of historically marginalised communities while preserving ethnic harmony, by Mom Bishwakarma (kp)

03/09/2013: CDC report on EC tablefor implementation (kp), While assuring the rights of the indigenous, Nepal and ILO 169 the concerns of a third of the population branded as ‘others’ also need to be addressed, by Prakash A. Raj (kp) [Justified critics for calling the Tagadharis as 'others', but demanding inclusion for the main included group because the so far excluded demand inclusion for themselves raises questions!!], Lawyers demand 10 per cent of CA pie (ht), SP To Field Candidates In All 240 Constituencies, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Taming the radicals: It is not in the nature of radicals to change; it is up to moderates to prove that radicalism is the worst option, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep), Activists call upon apex court to provide justice to Adhikari couple (nn), Supreme Court allows authorities to force-feed Adhikari couple (nn)

02/09/2013: Now, election logistics to come in truckloads, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Rs 9.21 bn sought for poll security: Home ministry’s estimate for one-phase election (ht), FSPN stir to press for demands (kp), MJF-N mulls poll tie-up with UCPN (Maoist), by Pranab Kharel (kp), MJF-N likely to go to polls alone (ht) [??], MPRF-N To Stand For 'one Madhes' In Nov Polls, by Jivesh Jha (rep), Sapkota selection under fire (kp), NSP spurns govt talks offer (ht), Parties gear up for candidate nominations for the next CA polls, by Rajendra Pokhrel (nn), Prepare to take up arms: CPN-M (ht), Election fervour: Public mood in favour of elections will undermine the CPN-Maoist’s actions (kp), Adhikaris unwilling to end hunger strike (ht), Caste-based discrimination still pervades Bajura (rep), Federated we conquer: The aim of both human rights and federalism is to end inequality and ensure equitable access to resources and representation, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Can’t get away with impunity but there are tough calls to make, interview with Chris Spies (kp), Promiscuous Silence Of The Maoists, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Let people decide: Events in Egypt show that people do not have infinite patience; Whenever political change fails, people revolt again and again, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Why roundtable? Roundtable is the best idea to bring all the political forces at one place, sort out problems and iron out differences, by Aditya Man Shrestha (rep)

01/09/2013: Call to remove constitutional hurdles: Prez for wholesale deal for poll’s sake (kp), Focus on statute, not only polls: Prez, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Top guns eyeing Nawalparasi: Koirala, Bhattarai, Mahato to contest election from district (ht), CPN-M renews threat to disrupt CA polls (kp), Disrupting elections no big deal, warns CPN-M leader: Says protests could be violent and destructive as well, after all ‘we are former rebels’ (ht), Dahal pays CPN-M back in its own coin: Alleges that Baidhya and Co influenced by foreign powers (ht), NC’s Paudel files nomination from Tanahu (ht), Adhikari murder: HRW for new probe sans interference (kp), Probe Krishna Adhikari killing afresh: HRW (ht), Parties piling pressure to release detainees (ht), ‘Media should raise indigenous issues’ (ht), One Of Its Kind: Nepal might be the first post-conflict developing country to have completed integration and rehabilitation through the mobilization of internal resources, by Geja Sharma Wagle (rep) [This process can only be completed after the rehabilitation of and justice for the victims of conflict, and this is not wanted by politicans and army!!]

31/08/2013: 1,360 people still missing: War report (ht) [see ICRC report] [Nepali people, don't vote for politicians who support general amnesty, injustice and impunity!!], Human rights organisations scream for justice (ht), Kin of the disappeared pour their heart out (ht), Punish perpetrators without delay: HR bodies (rep), Pact with Yadav front: Prez action sought (kp), HLPC to meet President today for 585-member Constituent Assembly (ht), HLPC wants statute tweaked to accomodate FDF, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Ashok Rai warns of stir (ht), Call for 33pc CA seats for women (kp), Drive to ensure 33 pc women’s representation (ht), 'Keep 33 percent representation intact' (rep), Parties reach villages for candidate selection (ht), Parties Fail To Meet Education Goals Outlined In Manifestos, by Nirjana Sharma (rep), RPP-N To Stand For Monarchy, Hindu State In Polls (rep), TIA aircraft load restriction may hit Nov poll plan: The load limit could bar planes carrying ballot printing papers from landing, by Bhadra Sharma (kp) [??], Govt mulls ‘leading’ role for Army, by Anil Giri (kp), Govt seeks ‘collective effort’ to woo Adhikari couple (kp) [Stop impunity and provide justice, that's all!], Concern about Adhikaris’ health (kp), ICJ calls for justice to Adhikaris (ht)

30/08/2013: 33 parties urge prez to facilitate all-party meet (kp), Federalism enemy of secession: Sri Lankan expert (ht) [!!!], Federalism may hit NC manifesto plan, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Congress likely to adopt seven-pradesh model (ht), NC to go for 7-province model with 3 in Tarai (rep), CPN-UML for mixed federalism, directly elected prime minister (kp), Adhikari couple's health deteriorates: Docs in a fix over govt prescription; Minister orders force-feeding couple; docs say that’s against medical ethics (kp), Tenacity in the time of villany: The Maoists deride the Adhikari couple’s fast-unto-death, the state administration is fearful and timid and the international community looks the other way, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Disappeared men’s wives bearing the brunt: Report, by Dewan Rai (kp), Address problems of wives of the disappeared: ICTJ (ht), Wives of disappeared in Nepal continue to face poverty, legal hassles: ICTJ report (nn), My missing father: A son’s moving account of how he turned the pain of having a disappeared father into activism, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (nt), Frozen grief: Not having a missing relative present is ever-present pain for families of the thousands who were disappeared during the conflict (nt), Whereabouts unknown: "It has been ten years, and still all they give us are readymade answers”, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt), Form TRC, urges NHRC (ht), ICRC balm for kin of missing persons, bvy Lal Prasad Sharma (kp), Remember the disappeared: Political leaders have connived with security chiefs to forget the past through amnesty, by Ram Bhandari (kp), Evolve, or go extinct: The choice is ours, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Afraid of catching big fish: Top politicians don’t seem to be the target of Lokman Singh Karki’s selective pursuit of the corrupt, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), The best of worst alternatives: We could ram polls through in November, but will the CA thus elected be able to write a new constituon, by Bhojraj Pokharel (nt), Twists & Turns: After the break-up of the negotiation between the High Level Political Committee and the CPN-Maoist led alliance, more confrontations are likely on the political course of the nation, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Ignoring the Elephant in the Room, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), Talks Broke Due To Big Four: After breaking out from the negotiations, CPN-Maoist leader Mohan Vaidya Kiran spoke to New Spotlight on the party’s future strategy, interview (sp)

29/08/2013: HLPC to reopen talks with 33 parties (kp), HLPC ready for another round of talks with agitating parties (ht), 33 fringe parties unveil fresh anti-poll activities (kp), CPN-M led 33-party alliance announces protests (ht), 33 smaller parties urge President Yadav to facilitate round-table conference (nn), 15 RPP-N cadres in each polling booth (kp) [Ban party cadres from polling booths once and for all!!!], Giri-led Sadbhawana forms talks team (kp), Adhikaris' fast unto death: HLPC leaders visit couple; they get an earful (kp), Couple on hunger strike seeks action: NC,UML leaders express solidarity, offer no hope for justice (ht) [The people should not vote for politicians who want to prevent justice!!], Call to form transitional justice mechanism (kp), Federalism will split sovereign country: KC (kp) [??], NC CWC members want north-south alignment for provinces, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep) [This is the repetition of King Mahendra's Panchayat organization that aimed at preventing an inclusive multicultural state for the sake of a unitary state dominated by the Tagadharis and their culture!!], NA quietly working on poll security preparation, by Kamal Pariyar (rep), Courting favours: Our politicians need to stop the charade of pretending to be statesmen on their way back from India, by Deepak Thapa (kp), How free and how fair: Unless the constitution is written through a legitimate, acceptable and participatory process, it will go the way of earlier ones, by Bipin Shah (kp)

28/08/2013: One step closer: Integration of ex-combatants in the army is over, the peace process is not (kp), Half done: Integration and peace process (rep), CPN-Maoist bloc to make last-ditch effort for talks (kp), HLPC’s final response to FSP demands today (ht), 33-parties to give memo to prez (ht), Nov 19 CA polls at any cost: EC, by Gani Ansari (rep), MJF-N,TMDP to stick to one Madhes one pradesh, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Caste tensions: Dalits are paying the greatest price of the resurgence of right wing politics, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp), Not just the absence of war: Peace building is not just the resolution of conflict but an integrated approach to sustainable peace and development, by Daman Bahadur Ghale (kp)

27/08/2013: Another milestone as ex-combatants turn the page, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), New beginning for ex-fighters as integration ends: 70 former Maoist combatants commissioned as army officers; one to serve as colonel, two lt col, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), UN lauds development (kp), EC revs up work to arrange logistics (kp), 33 parties moot general strike to foil candidate nominations (kp), RPP-N chair Thapa makes a seditious statement calling previous CA declaration of republic Nepal ‘null and void’ (nn), Neighbours and leaders: Both China and India want the CA elections to be held soon as it is the lone best option for stability and progress, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Preparing for polls: Security should be the priority before, during and after the slated November CA elections, by Bishnu Raj Upreti (kp), Round-table proposal: Why the talks failed, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), In or out: Nobody knows when the polls will be held with Baidya pursuing an uncharted course, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp)

26/08/2013: Tired of talks, CPN-M, allies to step up stir, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M intended to disrupt polls: Leaders (kp), JTMMP men on hunger strike: Say they want to participate in election, by J. Pandey (kp), Sadbhawana proposes two provinces in Terai-Madhesh in its election manifesto (nn), Poll spoilers: The EC will face a logistical nightmare if parties fail to take a call within the next few days on who will contest November polls, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), No contigency plan if elections don’t take place in November, interview with Madhav Prasad Ghimire (kp), Peace process comes to a close as 70 ex-combatants get commissioned as NA officers (nn), UN congratulates Nepali people on the end of ‘historic phase’ of peace process (nn)

25/08/2013: Talks between HLPC, CPN-M bloc flounder, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Talks with CPN-Maoist fruitless: No round table conference; HLPC to go ahead with polls, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Foreign intervention thwarted talks: Baidya (nn), 33 parties left fuming (kp), Foreign pressure foiled RTC: Baidhya; Alliance leaders say HLPC underestimated their strength (ht), Major parties least botheredabout consensus: CP Gajurel (ht), Koirala accuses CPN-Maoist of cold-shouldering four forces (ht), Sarita Giri continues her hunger strike on 12th day (ht), TMDP, MJF-D to join forces for poll, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Police look into Maoist wealth ‘buried’ in Rolpa forest, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Police deployed to probe further into wartime loot: Rs 40 million ‘buried by Maoists’was found, by Khem Bahadur Budha (ht), Ex-Maoist fighters commissioned as NA officers: Set to receive insignia at a ceremony attended by army brass,leaders,diplomatic community (ht), Way out: Political problems need to be resolved by political parties; Nepal’s continued political crisis cannot be resolved through apolitical lenses, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp), Madhesi messiahs: A real leader is needed to unite the Madhes and address the problems of the common people, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Debadiha tales: Reviving villages, by Ananda Jha (rep), Cruel intentions: Youth exploitation, by Murari Raj Sharma and Netra Khadka (rep)

24/08/2013: EC registers 162,813 new voters in seven days (nn) [This is not enough since millions are still missing! It is more important to bring all voters on board than all failed parties!!], Parties' round-table conference: Leaders less optimistic about deal (kp), Hopes and fears: Roundtable conference (rep), HLPC for quick decision on modalities: To abandon the idea if CPN-M tries to prolong parleys; UCPN-M to meet Baidhya today, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Baidhya hopes for HLPC rethink on 33-party alliance’s agendas (ht), Talks with Baidya's alliance hit a snag as HLPC dismisses demand for poll postponement (nn), Use round table to hilt:  Nembang to parties (ht), Ashok Rai’s party not in favour of poll boycott (nn), MJF-D for two Madhes, eight Hill Pradeshes: Poll manifesto meant to woo Madhesi, Tharu communities; Finds Westminster system flawed (ht), Parties intensify election-related activities (nn), Waiting For Justice, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

23/08/2013: EC set to issue 12m voter ID cards in Oct, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties jostle to get voters registered, by Lila Ballav Ghimire (kp), Last day for voter registration today (nn), HLPC, FSPN to ‘seal deal in two days’ (kp), HLPC agrees, in principle, to hold round-table meet, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC agrees to squaring the circle on round table, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), At 33-party alliance, efforts into round-table meeting groundwork, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Won’t participate in Nov 19 polls if current govt not dissolved, Baidya says (nn), Regmi voices displeasure at HLPC (kp), Madhes parties for 10 provinces, parliament system of governance, by Pranab Kharel (kp), On fast, Giri refuses medical examination (kp), CPN-UML sets criteria for poll candidate selection, by Bhadra Sharma (kp) [The important aspects of inclusion and reservation for disadvantaged groups are totally missing once again], Think of the children: Putting children at the centre of our national agenda helps unite the community and strengthens social ties, by Jagannath Lamichhane (kp), Election perspectives: Three scenarios, by Federica Riccadonna and Prawash Gautam (ht), Competing for consensus: Older parties are trying to reinvent themselves and new ones are maturing, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Truth, justice, constitution: Unless wartime ghosts are exorcised, an election will not be the end of the peace process, by Trishna Rana (nt), For better or for worse: Nepal’s law and order situation has changed for better, but the people still feel insecure, by Ojaswi Shah and Anurag Acharya (nt)

22/08/2013: Large number of people throng to Valley’s DAOs for voters’ identity cards (ht), HLPC, 33-party alliance agree to hold all-party talks (nn), Election postponement will be a knockout blow, says Koirala (kp), Election fever catching upin Kailali as poll date nears (ht), ‘Don’t you dare revive war-era cases’ (kp), Prescription for change: An individual cannot protect nationality though the person might have monopolised or subsumed it in the past, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Homework Vital Before Second CA Election, by Gyan Basnet (rn)

21/08/2013: Voters' registration: Leaders seek more time, EC says no (ht), EC rejects call for 2nd week voter listing (kp) [It's not necessary to respect the fundamental rights of the people????], Eight parties merge, FRSP formed (ht), HLPC leaders waste grist in run-of-the-mill meeting (ht), 33 parties to focus on struggle (ht), CPN-Maoist begins door-to-door anti-election drive across country, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Anti-poll parties get two more days, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Place in national politics concerns fringe Madhesi political parties (kp), Reintegrating rebels, by Seira Tamang (kp), Crimes and confession: Dahal's admission, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

20/08/2013: Can a common NepaliPolitics of identity: citizenship be established when there are so many forms of belonging and identity?, by Gérard Toffin (kp), Pact to have 585 seats: HLPC seeks to remove constitutional hurdles, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Eyes on election, Madhesi parties adopt reconciliatory Tharu posture, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Govt, Baidya bloc adamant; talks falter (kp), Talks ‘fruitful’, yet far from bearing fruit: Govt, 33-party alliance say they are trying to narrow down differences (ht), FLSC support conditional (ht), Blame game delays Adhikari murder probe, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Code of conduct flouted in Rautahat, by Pravat Kumar Jha (ht), Separation anxiety: The Nepali judiciary is passing through one of its most difficult times, given the fact that the sitting Chief Justice has taken the helm of the executive, by Chandra Prasad Luitel (kp), CA Election, Security And Worrying People, by Prem Khatry (rn), Stunted growth: Political culture, by Astha Lama (rep)

19/08/2013: EC says elections as scheduled even if Baidya stays out, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Going to polls by sidelining CPN-M not acceptable: Nepal (nn), No compromise on election date: Khanal (nn), Govt, 33-party alliance negotiation put off (kp), Meet demands before parleys on polls: CPN-Maoist (ht), HLPC snub comes as bitter pill for FSP; FDF-N inked pact without addressing concerns: Thakur (ht), Ashok Rai party likely to start month-longprotest today (kp), The UML’s response to our demands has been half-hearted, interview with Ashok Rai (kp), Children still live with conflict-era shrapnel, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Going the distance: An elected CA will at least allow the airing of ethnic, regional demands (kp) [This will only happen if the party leaders change their mind and stop to intervene into the work of the elected representatives of the people as they did with the first CA!!!], In a hole: Only a nationally elected legitimate body can help Nepal get its transition back on track, by Akhilesh Upadhyay (kp), Vision for change: Fighting monoculturalism, by Manjit Mishra (rep)

18/08/2013: HLPC flexibility puts CPN-M in quandary (kp), 33-party alliance eager to join polls (ht), Poll date unchangeable: Dahal (kp), Dahal in bid to curry favour with Baidhya, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), 5,000 voters registered (kp), First day sees unexpectedly high numbers (ht), Janajatis seek Public Service Act revision: Argue that dual certification of identity for govt job reservation is illogical, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), NHRC seeks justice for Doramba victims (kp), Progressivism and rigmarole: Asking where our literature stands internationally is quite close to asking where our progressivism stands, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Insurgency or crime? The Blurred Borderline, Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Aided Dependency, by Madan Regmi (rn)

17/08/2013: 1 week, says EC of voter listing time (kp), Voter registration resumes for seven days in all 75 districts (nn), 33-party bloc sticks to round-table demand (kp), Talks between govt, 33-party alliance end on positive note (ht), 33 party-alliance 'positive' towards participating in 2nd CA polls (nn), Deserted by Yadav, FSPN to toughen stance (kp), MJF-D,MJF-N vying for deal credit: Gachhadar says UDMF played key role,Yadav says his alliance did it (ht), Sarita Giri’s hunger strike continues on fourth day (ht), No agreement with dissidents on election postponement: Bhattarai (nn), Koirala chairs High Level Political Committee for one month (nn), Now, YAN decides to deploy cadres to polling stations, by Bedraj Poudel (kp) [Obviously, it is the parties' intention to turn the polling stations into battle fields! This procedure is against all democratic norms and makes free and fair elections impossible!!], Adhikari murder probe hits hurdle: Cops in dilemma after govt prosecutor’s vague reply, by Surya Prakash Kandel (ht), Help us: International community and impasse, by Prakash Bhattarai (rep)

16/08/2013: Moral bankruptcy: If you want to understand why Nepal is still poor, there is your reason; With this kind of plunder and impunity, the country doesn’t stand a chance (nt), HLPC, Yadav-led front agree on 585-member CA, by Pranab Kharel and Bhadra Sharma (kp), SLMM finally agrees to participate in Nov 19 polls following late night 6-point agreement (nn), HLPC continuing talks with 33-party alliance, Ashok Rai (nn), Who will bell the cat? All political actors want polls postponed, but no one wants to come out and say it outright, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), Ready to postpone poll date: Mahat (ht), UCPN (M) not in favor of election postponement: Dahal (nn), EC reopens voter registration for a week tomorrow: Warns parties not to speak against republican system, secularism (ht), Voter registration can't be extended for two weeks: EC (nn), Thabang: Angry and frustrated, by Hira Bahadur Ghartimagar (rep), The memory of Krishna Prasad: The grieving parents of Krishna Prasad Adhikari are helping pry open the door of impunity by forcing the state to investigate their son’s killing, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp) [A good statement for justice but you should mention that the politics of impunity and injustice is the common work of UCPN-M, CPN-M, NC, CPN-UML, the army leadership as well as the monarchy and its henchmen! Please don't decry the Maoists alone! All these so-called top leaders are guilty!], Fair probe sought into Adhikari killing (ht), Kids living with shrapnel inside (ht), Political scene: Expectations from women, by Mani Dixit (ht), The price of peace: Rs 20 billion: that is how much it cost to integrate 1,421 ex-combatants into the national army, by Rameshwor Bohara (nt)

15/08/2013: Flexible on deferring polls, HLPC now says, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC ready to reschedule polls: But CPN-Maoist has to commit in writing that it will contest election, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Divide and conquer: If the FSP and MJF-N are weaned away, Baidya will be isolated in poll boycott (kp), Koirala defends presidential move in apex court (ht), Voter registration set to reopen (kp), Chitwan DPO set to begin Adhikari murder probe, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Adhikari murder case re-opened, by Surya Prakash Kandel (ht), , Bhattarai signals party’s U-turn on federalism (ht), EC bars leaders from making ‘unnecessary’ foreign trips, by Kamal Raj Sigdel and Bhadra Sharma (kp), CA election campaigning: Real agendas sidelined, by Dilli Raj Khanal (ht), Building an accountability system: Laws Alone Are Not Sufficient, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Misplaced priorities: Leaders and election, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Poll date not set in stone, interview with Upendra Yadav (rep)

14/08/2013: EC on horns of a dilemma (kp), Dahal spews venom against justice seekers: Condemns govt move to probe into nine-year-old killing (ht), Call to probe war-era crimes: Dahal issues ‘polls will be hit’ warning: Says matter ‘ill timed’ and against peace pact kp) [Justice has far higher priority than deals that are broken by the politicians every day!!!], Govt, Baidya-led alliance hold first talks albeit sans success (kp), Krishna Prasad Adhikari murder case: UCPN-M chairman’s remarks draw flak (ht), Nothing to cheer about (kp), HLPC, FDF-N narrow down differences on issues, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Talks with FSP positive (ht), Local elections impossible on Nov 19: Uprety (ht), Leaders’ Delhi visits: A matter of turns, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Poll possibilities: The negligence of the government and parties, along with differing geopolitical interests, is contributing to the uncertainty over elections, by Bhadra Sharma (kp)

13/08/2013: HLPC to wrap up parleys with dissenters this week (kp), Talks moribund as CPN-M refuses to budge: Final round of dialogue tomorrow, but foregone conclusion is that it’s just a formality (ht), Talks with Upendra Yadav's party ends inconclusively (nn), Prez happy with efforts of major parties to win over poll opposing outfits (nn) [??], Registration of voters may be re-opened (ht), Nepal will have yet another Chief Justice PM if election doesn’t happen: NC leader (nn) [???], Stay against identification of war victims: SC takes exception to terms such as armed conflict (ht), War-era crimes: Govt acts legally for now, but larger problem ‘here to stay’, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Dekendra Thapa remembered: ‘Govt shielding four suspects’, by Prakash Adhikari (kp), NSP sit-in against CDC report (kp), Justice delayed: While the TRC is being formed, investigations into conflict-era cases will need to be initiated (kp), HLPC urges govt to forward TRC ordinance (ht), Of heroes and villains: A profound sense of sacrifice and devotion for the exploited and oppressed people, along with a sound political ideology, has made Baburam Bhattarai what he is, by Resham Thapa and Dhruba Raj Adhikari (kp), Spoils of war: The Maoist insurgency, more than any exogenously driven campaign or development intervention, helped empower women socially and economically, by Ranjita Sapkota (kp), Polls apart: An election is necessary in order to preserve the achievements of the people’s movement, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Rule of law: People-police partnership must be implemented to create a society free of fear and uphold the rule of law while protecting the people’s dignity, by Kishor Kumar Lama (kp), Election Is A Must, by Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang (rn), Taking CA Election To The People, by Prem Khatry (rn), Undemocratic democracy!, by Sukhdev Shah (rep)

12/08/2013: CPN-M in no mood to contest polls: Big III; Its demand for fully proportional system against democratic norms: NC, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CA polls now may lead to conflict: Baidya (kp), Govt seeks media help for CA elections (kp), CDC report violates constitutional provision: Thakur (ht), YCL to deploy 200 cadres in every polling station: Congress, too, ready with Tarun Dal cadres; EC cries foul (kp) [????], YCL to deploy 200 cadres in each booth during assembly elections (ht), Poll-affecting deals a ‘no-no’ (kp), Not all convicts barred from polls: Regmi to SC (kp), EC invites observers to apply for November election monitoring, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Nepali people never launched a revolution to remove monarchy, interview with Kamal Thapa (kp) [Kamal Thapa was ex-king Gyanendra's right hand while suppressing Jana Andolan II in April 2006! He was one of the persons who was most responsible for the atrocities against the people then!!], The Indian obsession: Sidelines, by C.K. Lal (rep)

11/08/2013: Baidhya has a week to join election: Sapkota; Says 33-party alliance doesn’t have the wherewithal to disrupt polls (ht) Congress finds Dahal’s strategy dubious, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CPN-M exclusion from HLPC was a mistake: Nepal (ht), NC to strain every nerve to appease dissident parties (kp) [??], Madhes student unions burn CDC report: Say constituencies should be increased in line with population growth, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Madhesi students burn CDC report (ht), Bhaidhya's Dilemma And Future Of Election, by Bishnu Rijal (rn)

10/08/2013: Hard truth: constituency drawing (rep), MJF-Nepal thumbs down to CDC report (ht), Hear us or faceprotests: Yadav (kp), Nov elections, govt change are ‘non-negotiable issues’: UCPN (Maoist), CPN-UML give Baidya one week to make up mind, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-Maoist wants talks continued (ht), RTI Act ‘insignificant’ to indigenous people (ht), Thapa for parliament, monarchy to co-exist (kp) [Monarchy has already killed itself!!], RPP-Nepal presents alternative model (ht) [What a nonsense!!], Vote observers to be invited within a week: Individuals and institutions failing to submit reports during the last CA blacklisted, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Cost of citizenship, by Ishwar Rauniyar (rep)

09/08/2013: CDC proposes 1 population threshold for all 3 regions, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Don’t change constituencies frequently: CDC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Madhes parties slam constitution delineation report, others laud it (kp), Opening up voter registration 'window period' very much likely: Election Commissioner PB Thakur (nn), FSP labels HLPC ‘irresponsible’ (ht), CPN-Maoist to talk to govt ‘next week’ (kp), UML 'ready' to listen to Baidya if he’s for polls (kp), AHLPC gives up on CPN-M; disucces army deployment for election security, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Getting cold feet: For a party to refuse to go to the polls because it may not fare well, undermines democracy and its own credibility (nt), De-schooling doctor Baburam: Knowledge neither gives you autocratic power to hold everyone else’s knowledge in disdain nor a clean chit to do as you wish, by Suman Khadka (kp), Fluid political landscape: Extremists and political actors in the plains have found a fertile breeding ground in the state of statelessness and discontent, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Insecure elections: If we must have elections in November, better ensure they are proper elections, by Bihari K. Shrestha (nt), The Nepali make up: Is our sense of Nepaliness so fragile that we need to get worked up about every perceived slight against our nationalism?, by Trishna Rana (nt), Diversity and knowledge: Tapping indigenous minorities, by Manohara Khadka and Shova Ale Magar (ht), Nepalis IPs movement: Still a long way to go, by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (rep), What Is The Need For Nepal?, by D.M. Thapa (rn)

08/0872013: Can’t wait for poll-shy parties for more than 3 days: HLPC, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC sees no hope of deal with alliance of 33 dissenting parties: To make efforts to convince Yadav-led FDF-Nepal, FSP, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CPN-M proposes all-party govt under Regmi, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Ashok Rai's party presents five-pt demand before HLPC (nn), Poll dancing: Talk aside, swift action is needed to resolve election-related outstanding issues (kp), Conspirators against CA election will be driven away by YCL: Dahal (nn), Chitwan hard hit by Tarun Dal bandh (nn), Poll security plan ‘in a week’, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Misusing names of parties, armed outfit for extortion, by Ankit Adhikari (kp), Extorters land in police net: Former Maoist combatant among the two arrested in City (ht, Bid to press for rights of indigenous people (kp), Identity federalism, inclusion Madhes parties’ agenda, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Maoist chief regrets 3 mistakes, by Prem Nepali (kp), The three mistakes of Dahal’s life: ‘Mea culpa,did not let Girijababu become prez’, by Rishi Baral (kp), Parliamentary system is obsolete and hence a failure in South Asia: Bhattarai (nn) [Not the system has failed but the parties and their leaders! Nepal needs new leaders!!], NHRC to govt: Probe conflict-era murder Govt decision to not address cases related to the insurgency flayed (kp), Hard to right wartime wrongs: Minister (ht) [??], Smoke and mirrors: The resurgence of interest in the monarchy can be attributed to the failure of major political parties and a reassertion of Khas nationalism, by Pramod Mishra (kp), The Revival Of The Monarchy!, by Gyan Basnet (rn) [One should better think of the revival of the dissolved CA that has been undermined and finally smashed by incompetent, power greedy and tradition oriented high caste party leaders!!], Thapa lays out RPP-N agenda (ht), Design for delimitation: Voter population, not census, should be the basis for constituency delimitation as it addresses population increase and limits over-representation, by Tej Prasad Adhikari (kp), CDC submits report to govt; no changes in constituencies (nn)

07/08/2013: Talks with Poll-opposing parties: On Day 1, HLPC gets long list of demands, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), 33-party alliance sticks to poll deferral demand: First day of talks with the High Level Political Committee leaders hardly goes anywhere (ht), Chances of poll-opposing parties taking part in election slim: Dahal (nn), Prepare for struggle, MJF-N tells cadres (ht), Banda hits 9 districts in the East (kp), Army mobilisation on cards for poll security, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht) [??], EC passes media monitoring directives: Press Council Nepal protests; Election Commission chief says PCN can act against violators (ht), Leaders pile pressure for budget for their areas: Govt yet to publish second part of fiscal book giving details of programmes for district level (ht), Pressure Builds Up For Election, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn)

06/08/2013: Talks with agitating parties from today: Hopes high for deal with MJF-Nepal, FSPN; Baidya-led alliance ‘hard’ to convince (kp), Dissenting parties to sit for talks today, by Prakash Acharya (ht), HLPC starts formal talks with poll-weary alliances (nn), Poll postponement major agenda of 33-party bloc, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), MJF-N wants PR seats increased (kp), CPN-Maoist seeks donations to foil upcoming CA election, by Bhim Bahadur Singh (kp), Make haste: Election preparations (rep), Referendum, if CA fails, says MK Nepal (ht) [?? How shall this work?], Sexual minorities to file candidacy for CA polls: Hope to ensure their rights through participation in national level politics, by Basant Sharma (ht), The great divide: In the coming months, it will be really interesting to see how Nepali politicians use social media to woo the youth, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Limbuwan outfit enforces bandh in eastern districts (nn)

05/08/2013: Voter registration: Can be reopened if polls not hit: Regmi (kp), CDC gets another week, report ‘not to change much’ (kp), HLPC eyes 'first and final' talks with poll-shy parties (kp), 33-party alliance to set agendas for talks, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), HLPC fixes separate dates of talks with 33 parties (nn), Negotiation, agitation to go together, says MJF-N (kp), CPN-M starts Bajhang anti-poll campaign, by Himal Joshi (kp), President intensifies talks with parties: CPN-UML to stick to 11-point deal, 25-point presidential decree (ht), Majority polled undecided who to vote for (ht), Disenfranchised voters: The EC must find a way to accommodate the large number of missing voters to institutionalise the fundamental values of democracy, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Leaders' Pilgrimage To New Delhi, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn)

04/08/2013: HLPC to sort crucial issues in a week: Baidya party to get a third talks invite Key HLPC meet today, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [This sounds like the peace initiative of Sher Bahadur Deuba in 2001 when he had neither an agenda nor real will to discuss the then Maoist demands!!], HLPC sends third invite to Baidhya and Co, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CPN-Maoist 'happy' over the content of talks invitation letter (nn), Disgruntled parties seek single HLPC position, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Baidya cannot disrupt, boycott poll, interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (kp), Election media monitoring: EC, Press Council at loggerheads (kp), Millions meant for war-hit embezzled, by Surendra Kafle (ht), Staking claims: If we don’t take a stand and assert ourselves, we’ll soon lose any say on how the region, and ultimately our own nation, is governed, by Slok Gyanwali (kp), Hazards of youth: Inspiring youths to participate in politics is one thing but radicalising them towards militancy is unforgivable, by Safal Ghimire (kp), Road to oblivion: If the CPN-Maoist has any agenda at all for the people, elections are the most suitable opportunity to put them before the people, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Focus on democracy: Koirala's India visit, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep)

03/08/2013: Dahal proposes 586-member assembly (ht), CPN-M cannot foil elections: Dahal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), 33-party bloc agrees to talks, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Ban wants HLPC to bring all parties on board (kp), Bring agitating parties on board for CA polls: UN (ht), A year's enough (rep), EC likely to open voter registration, but briefly, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Decision to reopen voter registration likely today (ht), EC contemplates providing 'window period' for voter registration again (nn), Dominance of politics in media inevitable in transition: Editors (kp), Members of banned outfit arrested: Bomb-making materials seized; Police claim blasts in Capital foiled (ht), SC reschedules hearing on Regmi-led govt (ht), Kakre Bihar row: Locals protest against plan to set up Buddha idol (nn) [???], Kamal Thapa announces signature campaign for establishing 'Hindu nation' (nn), The desperation of foot soldiers: What have former People’s Liberation Army soldiers been doing with their lives since cantonments were disbanded a year ago?, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp), In short supply: Political leadership, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep), Seal the Deal, by Gopal Thapa (nn)

02/08/2013: Candidate nomination on Sept 23, 26: Public will get a day to file complaints against candidates; EC still awaits CDC report, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC comes out with election schedule (ht), CDC seeks another term extension: Commission chairman meets Regmi, pleads for 10 more days (kp), Prez to Dahal: Pacify poll-opposing parties (kp), CPN-M burns poll code copies (kp), 33 parties set ablaze code of conduct (ht), Eight parties hold talks with govt (ht), YCL cadres brazenly flout election code, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), YCL cadres attack ambulance carrying patients to Bharatpur (ht) [Obviously, the parties think they have the constitutional right to rob the people!], FSPN plans ‘civil society meet’ (kp), Assault on Dalits: Women commission blames cops, parties, by Weena Pun (kp), Lost crown and country: The country is crying out for someone to step up. But it’s not you, Mr Gyanendra Shah, by Pranav Budhathoki (nt), Elections and perpetrators: Just as the United Nations vets soldiers going on peacekeeping missions, persons credibly accused of atrocities must be barred from election candidacies, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), The illusions of understanding, by C.K. Lal (kp), An impending loss: Women’s representation in the second CA will decline, by Erisha Suwal (rep), Revolution comes full circle: Until the contradiction within the Maoist party is resolved, Nepal’s peace process will not have closure, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt)

01/08/2013: Apex court orders prompt hearings on ‘serious’ cases, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Nonstop hearing must in serious crime cases: SC (ht), Regmi govt’s constitutionality test postponed (ht) [This is because of the non-separation of powers!!], Delimitation Commission seeks more time (nn), SLMM ‘open’ to 601 CA seat idea: Wants voter registration re-opened; EC says not possible if polls are to be held in Nov (kp), UDMF seeks 30 more days for voters’ registration, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Govt sends talks invite; CPN-M undecided (kp), Hard-line party warns poll supporters, by Manoj Basnet (kp), CPN-M to consult with allies before talking to govt (ht), Tread carefully: It would be wise to apply political pressure, not force, against the Mohan Baidya group (kp), Limbuwan announces protests (ht), Protest to secure women’s fair share in CA (ht), Going for growth: Weak governance, political instability, the energy crisis and corruption remain major challenges for economic growth, by Saloman Rajbanshi (kp), Political transition: Election is the only way, by Arjun Narsingha K.C. (ht)

31/07/2013: CDC wanted to rearrange all 240 seats: Ex-member, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Debt-ridden conflict victims will not get to vote: Panchthar folks had kept citizenship certificates as collateral for loan,which they failed to pay (ht), SLMM constituents against poll tie-up with FDRA allies (kp), CPN-M cadres picked up for wall-chalking (kp), CPN-M chalking out strategies to disrupt poll, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Chances of CPN-M participating in polls 'becoming slim': Shrestha (nn), Maoist affiliated YCL shuts down schools, colleges in Chitwan to protest arrest of cadres involved in ‘donation terror’ (nn), Madhes parties reposing trust in hill community (kp), Buddhist followers picket Singha Durbar: Want Buddha idol in Kakre Bihar,anti-secular laws scrapped (ht), Kakre Bihar protesters picket Singha Durbar (kp), Govt ‘quietly’ preparing for local body polls (kp), Many to one: Cultural nationalism cannot, and should not, be the future of a harmonious and prosperous Nepal, by Bipin Shah (kp), The king who lost: Gyanendra gave up power without any bloodshed and gracefully left the royal palace, by Keshar Bahadur Bhandari (kp), Grand plan to revive monarchy under way: Baburam Bhattarai (kp), Bhattarai has always been against monarchy, interview with Shekhar Koirala, Nepali Congress (rep)

30/07/2013: CA Member Act in line with constitution, EC tells apex court (kp) [??], 33-party alliance to reject in writing HLPC talks offer, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Thapa wants HLPC scrapped pronto (ht), Cooperation with ex-king slammed (ht), UCPN (M) leader claims former king is only distributing part of the property he robbed from state coffer to flood victims (nn), Amid discord fears, UCPN (Maoist) begins candidate selection process (kp) [The grassroots members should have a decisive say in this process!], Kakre Bihar idol row: Protesters to go ahead with Singha Durbar gherao plan (kp), Koirala doubts polls in present situation (ht), New front seeks more time (ht), Royal pipe dreams: That some public intellectuals are beginning to cast doubts that republicanism was a primary agenda of Janaandolan 2 is a very dangerous development, by Prabhat Jha (kp), Presumed innocence: Transparency in the financial and criminal background of election candidates is necessary for voters to elect qualified representatives, by Pratyush Nath Upreti (kp), An interim sacrifice: Instead of engaging in unnecessary publicity stunts in the media, Bhattarai needs to be more honest about his plans and vision, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Maoist parties face off in run-up to CA polls: Possible confrontations portend problems as they could ruin the election environment (ht), The conflict in Nepal: Of greed and grievance, by Umesh K. Bhattarai (ht), CPN-Maoist cadres arrested for anti-election activity (nn), Election date can be altered: Khanal (nn)

29/07/2013: HLPC split on March 13 pact, firm on poll date, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Baidya party gets ‘final’ talks invite from HLPC (kp), CPN-M told not to violate poll code (ht), We won’t take part in election, FSP tells prez (ht), FSPN announces protest  programmes (kp), Polls calling: Parties now need to focus more on MJF-N, FSP than CPN-Maoist (kp), Madhes-centric parties up election tempo in earnest, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Act on code violations, EC tells govt, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), As CA polls await security plan, MoHA wends its way, by Ankit Adhikari (kp), Include economic agenda in election manifestos: FNCCI (kp), Dalit commission alleges political intervention, by Weena Pun (ht), Former king asks people to come forward to ‘save the country’ (nn), Missing in election: Large number of missing voters and conflicting sets of data could call into question the legitimacy of November election, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Far-left and far-right forces don’t want constitution through CA, interview with Jitendra Dev (kp), Impunity And Crime, by Madhab Regmi (rn), Forged consciousness, by C.K. Lal (rep)

28/07/2013: UCPN (Maoist), NC, UML step up election gear: The parties are finalising their election manifestos; Constituency delimitation issue not a thorn in their flesh (kp), No backtracking on March 13 agreement (ht), Finish off anti-poll forces, Dahal tells YCL (ht) [Gahal will have to take responsibility for every crime that may be committed by his youth organization in this context!!], Security worsening: MJF-N (kp), Partners take Baidya to task: Smaller parties in alliance demand clarification of his ‘royalist’ remarks (kp), Kakre Bihar idol row: Protesters serve Tuesday ultimatum (kp), Limbuwan members grab land in Damak (ht), Anatomy of revolutions: How effective have our revolutions been at fundamentally changing social structures and dominant values?, by Sagun S. Lawoti (kp)

27/07/2013: Election code violation: EC reluctant to take CPN-Maoist to task: Passes the buck on to the government, saying the party has not registered for polls, by Ram Kumar Makat (ht) [The former king has also not registered!], MoFA concerned about envoys’ activities (kp), Don't misread bid to unify Madhesi forces: TMDP (ht), Police steps up vigilance against JP Gupta for hobnobbing with armed outfits (nn), Focus on polls, by Madhav Kumar Nepal (rep)

26/07/2013: CDC gets 10 more days to file report (kp), CDC lacks team spirit, claims member (ht), 86 parties get vote sign, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Govt comes up with integrated election security plan (nn), HLPC moots moving Cabinet share of CA seats to FPTP group, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [Unbelievable!!], CPN-Maoist anti-poll drive begins, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Riders for alliance with royalists: Monarchists must agree on secularism, republic (ht) [But monarchy and Hindu state are the fundamental matters of Neplai royalists! So, stop this nonsense talk!!], UCPN (Maoist) teams fan out across country for campaigning (kp), MJF-N leader shot at: Rajan Mukti-led outfit claims responsibility (kp), Social Democratic Party joins protests in Capital, by Weena Pun (kp), Probe committee formed to investigate Belbari mob assault on Dalits (nn) [The formation of such probe committees is the normal procedure aimed at doing nothing!!!], Compensate Dalit woman, say NGOs (ht), Plain preferences: The question of elections should be a secondary matter; the focus should be on how to produce a constitution, by Aditya Man Shrestha (kp), SC notice on women’s representation (ht), Parties, People And Polls, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn), Democratic deficit: The pretentions of senior party leaders with democracy stand at odds with their internal authoritarianism, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Elections: Get Set, Go!, by Keshab Poudel (sp), It’s All Dhoos, Kamreds!, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), Recurring constitutional challenges: Mere symptoms of a lager desease, by Ankit Dhakal (sp)

25/07/2013: EC okays poll symbols of 59 parties (kp), 59 political parties granted election symbols (ht), Election Commission asks CDC to file report in 15 days, by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), Less voters in Doti (ht), Election-weary HLPC fed up with talks-shy CPN-Maoist (kp), Thapa hints at royalist-Baidya party alliance for ‘nationalism’ (kp), Monarchists, CPN-Maoist, to collaborate if polls deferred (ht), Humanitarian aid only thru govt channels: EC (ht), Ex-king defies EC directive (ht), I will not give upchief justice post, Regmi tells SC, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Outraged! Mob thrashing of two Dalits in Morang is emblematic of an unequal society (kp), Probe assault on Dalit woman: NHRC (ht), Fork in the road: Nepal has two choices: the democratic path to a constitution or the road to strife, instability and ultimately, destruction, by Pramod Mishra (kp) [The current political 'leaders' have already chosen the latter way long ago!!], Three strikes: Discrimination of women, by Lula Belinfante (rep)

24/07/2013: SC now allows listing without citizenship cards (kp), SC vacates stay against EC move (ht), Voter registration drops in Valley, by Samik Kharel (kp), CDC deadline expires today; seeks more time to report (kp), Taskforce divided on constituency delineation, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Can EC act against ceiling violators? (ht), BRB fires verbal salvo at Gyanendra (kp), Send Gyanendra to jail, growls BRB: Says if he were in power, he would have jailed him, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Royalists, Maoists will cooperate to safeguard country’s sovereignty: Thapa (nn), Himani Trust hits poll code hurdle (kp), EC may allow distribution of humanitarian assistance (ht), Donors wow 'strong' lection support (kp), Still invisible: Women in politics is crucial to encouraging their participation in all other sectors (kp), Watching the vote: The role of local and international observers is key to ensuring a free and fair election, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp), Royals of republic: Leaders’ lavish lifestyles, by Barsha Paudel (rep)

23/07/2013: Statutory hurdles haunt constituency delineation, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Voters’ registration down in Taplejung (ht), Code in place; final voter tally on Aug 20 (kp), Election Commission makes voters' list public (nn), Code of Conduct for CA elections takes effect, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Code of concern: EC must remain vigilant and take action when code violations are discovered (kp), Parties’ apathy ‘hurting’ women CA representation (kp), Women’s participation in polls stressed (ht), FDF seeks round-table talks bases (kp), FDF not participating in polls HLPC told no point joining election process in present situation (ht), CPN-M to disrupt CA polls: Baidhya (ht), Ex-king can join ‘nat’lism’ stir: Baidya (kp) [Strange mind! Please tell why so many people had to die for the abolition of the feudal system??], Former royals on charity mission in Dhangadi: Relief distribution violates Code of Conduct, says EC (ht) [They are distributing public property either!!], Topi photo sought for citizenship: Supreme Court calls petitioner, defendants to clarify stances (kp) [???????], Change from within: Each component of society must work to bring about the change we desire, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Free and fair elections Challenge of proper observation, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ht), Parties to crime: Political corruption, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

22/07/2013: Election code of conduct comes into effect today, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Electoral role: Application at SC against citizenship petition (kp), Overwhelming public support for CA polls, finds THT survey (ht), Political parties unaware of Election Education Centre (ht), Rai-led FSPN shifts position on polls: Says the party will foil the CA elections held under existing circumstances, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Old allegations: If there’s dark ‘foreign hand’, so much the reason that parties go to elections (kp), Elections and the Everyman: If elections are held and the composition of the CA remains more or less the same, what will be the implications for ordinary citizens?, by Daulat Jha (kp), Writ seeks just representation of women in state mechanisms (ht)

21/07/2013: Constituency delineation: Political parties’ support absolutely essential (ht), Foreign intervention, claim 33 parties (kp), 33 parties urge int’l community not to support polls: Accuse missions in Nepal of interfering in domestic affairs; Say sovereignty weakening (ht), Youngsters sceptical about CA elections (ht)

20/07/2013: Constituency delineation: CDC likely to re-work on areas where population has gone up, by Pranab Kharel (kp),Give Madhes 121 constituencies: MJF-D (ht), TMDP slams apex court ruling (ht), China trying to convince Baidhya for November polls, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), CPN-M ready for talks with HLPC, says Dahal (ht), Baidya to Dahal: No talks for now (kp), The view from here, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp)

19/07/2013: How geared up are stakeholders for poll (ht), Baidya-led bloc agrees to sit for dialogue ‘next week’: Move follows UCPN (M) chairman’s ‘unconditional’ talks offer, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Dialogue must be unconditional: Gajurel (ht), Political talks crucial for Nov polls, says EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Govt invites 33 parties for talks (kp), Constituency delineation: 8-member panel to seek ways to clear statute hurdles (kp), Royal republicans: It is fine to be a republic, but it is more important to be a ‘democratic’ republic, which those who pushed the republic do not seem to favour, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Abuse Of Religious Freedom: Loss Of Identity, by Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang (rn), A federation of factions: Almost everyting is on hold until the internal power struggle within the UCPN (M) is sorted out, by Muma Ram Khanal (nt), In the global blind spot: Nepal is in serious need of rebranding and restoring self-esteem, by Trishna Rana (nt)

18/07/2013: CDC may advise govt to keep FPTP seats intact (ht), Disgruntled parties get talks invite: No word yet from CPN-Maoist-led alliance on what it has decided (ht), CPN-M ‘welcomes’ HLPC invite; seeks open talks: Party urges big four to sit for unconditional dialogue, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Roshan Sedhai (kp), Best laid plans: The roundtable conference needs strategic planning (kp), Roundtable Conference: Is It Possible?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Polls can be deferred if HLPC agrees (ht), Madhes parties’ unity bid yet to bear fruit, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Multicultural myopia: Recent silence of Madhesi politicians and intellectuals harms multiculturalism and inclusive democracy, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Ripe for reform: Political patronage is ruining Nepal’s anti-corruption efforts and reaping impunity, by Rup Kumar BK (kp), Buddhists set to launch agitation (ht), Issues And Interests, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

17/07/2013: More voters register in Valley, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC says gap of 3.8 million voters not unjustified (ht), Koirala tells NEFIN not to be incited by Dahal (ht) [??], Directionless Politics Casts Shadow On Polls, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn), Still there: Untouchability, by Dhan Bahadur Mijar (rep), Big four pledge to prepare draft of constitution within 6 months (nn) [Once again you misunderstand the interim constitution: The new constitution has to be written by the elected representatives of the people in the CA without intervention by party laeders!!!], Govt ready to postpone polls if it helps in forging consensus among parties: Minister (nn)

16/07/2013: Voter registration drive ends; 12.1m in new list, by Bhadra Sharma and Samik Kharel (kp), Citizenship card a must, rules SC (kp), Constituency seliniation: Political parties now mull over three options, by Pranab Kharel and Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Dahal vows help for Janajati stir for rights (kp), Dahal assures backing for NEFIN’s PR seats concern (ht), Dahal’s call for agitation irresponsible: Koirala (nn), Dahal to lead HLPC from today (nn), CPN-Maoist to take allies to poll talks, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), 33 parties reiterate prior stance on poll (ht), CPN-Maoist to defy election in present condition: Gajurel (nn), HLPC holds talks with three fringe parties (ht), Table talk: A roundtable conference can be a test of the CPN-Maoist’s sincerity towards polls and the constitution drafting process, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Nicely done: Army integration, by Abhya B. Chettry (rep)

15/07/2013: Constituency deliniation: Constitutional complications staring HLPC in the face (kp), Constituency delimitation hits hurdle (ht), Home ministry issues over 600,000 citizenship certificates in 1 month (kp), Thousands turn up in late rush for voter ID (ht), UCPN (M) will support NEFIN's street protests against decision to lessen number of proportional seats: Dahal (nn), CPN-M, its allies to chart out joint plan, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), EC ready to register CPN-Maoist (ht), 3 Madhes parties hold unity talks (kp), Outfit issues stern warning (kp), Get serious: If elections are not held soon, the transition can become permanent (kp), Broken justice: The upcoming election is an opportunity to increase the role of conflict victims in the transitional justice process, by Ram Bhandari (kp), Holding a roundtable alone cannot provide solutions, interview with Padma Ratna Tuladhar (kp), Framework of Madheshbad: Sidelines, by C.K. Lal (rep)

14/07/2013: Prelim round-table talks today: HLPC asks the CPN-Maoist to fix venue and time by 10am for negotiation, by Kamal Dedv Bhattarai (kp), Baidya wants formal HLPC invite, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-Maoist to talk to major parties (ht), Voter roll update: Madhes-based parties seek deadline extension (kp), Madhesi forces air their dirty linen in public: Throw slings and arrows at each other (ht), Would-be voters swarming Kathmandu election office, by Samik Kharel (kp), Failure to launch: Despite the tall talk of revolution, the CPN-Maoist lacks the stamina and spirit essential to launch an armed rebellion, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), House sans adults: Nepali Politics, by Murari Sharma (rep)

13/07/2013: China visit won’t affect our election stand, says Gajurel (kp), Statute thru round table conference: Gajurel, by Arjun Bhandari and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Ashok Rai warns of decisive anti-govt stir (ht 13/07/2013), Denied citizenship, journo moves court (ht)

12/07/2013: Parties engage in hectic parleys to hold round-table conference, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Efforts on to induct anti-poll forces: Khanal (kp), Ex-EC chief casts doubt polls will be held in November (ht), Masked intentions: Interim governments should concentrate on running day-to-day state affairs and leave decisions with long term consequences for the country to elected governments, by Shyam K.C. (kp), Politics of diagnosis: Nepal’s political leaders who parrot democracy, justice and rule of law seemingly go to any extent to reject the same ideals they claim to uphold, by Jagannath Lamichhane (kp), Wounds that haven’t healed: Thousands of women across Nepal are still seeking justice for war time rape, by Toofan Neupane (nt), When war becomes a memory: Comrades who fought alongside each other have charted out different futures for themselves, by Amir Joshi (nt), Breaking up and making up: National and international political constellations are all in favour of November polls, by Anurag Acharya (nt), "Young Contestants Will Win Polls", interview with Udaya S. Rana (sp), Regmi and November Polls, by Tilak Rawal (sp), Uncertain Course: Although CPN-Maoist leaders have agreed to negotiate on the elections, it is premature to say the election will be held on November 19, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

11/07/2013: EC allows chartered planes, helicopters in 11 districts, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties can hire chopperfor 11 districts (ht), EC voter roll move challenged in SC (kp), 32 anti-election parties flay Baidya talks team decision: Say will form separate bloc if CPN-M continues to ‘use’ them, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), What goes around: Govt and HLPC must convince all parties, no matter how small, to participate in elections (kp), Madhesi leaders differ on election issues (ht), No melting pot: Without pluralism, inclusivity and the acceptance of heterogeneity, democracy cannot succeed anywhere, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Upcoming Election: For What?, by Uttam Maharjan (rn), Challenges ahead: Regmi govt’s role, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (rep), Parties controlling Election Commission, interview with Surya Prasad Shrestha (rep)

10/07/2013: Constituency re-work hits roadblock, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Election code to come into effect from mid-July (kp), Parties prepare for round table meet on spec, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Bring anti-poll parties on board: India; ‘It will be good if we see all stakeholders, political parties and groups take part in the polls’, by Anil Giri (kp), Khurshid lays stress on timely Constituent Assembly election: Says India hopes new CA will draft constitution, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), Mohan Baidhya to explain to Chinese leaders party’s decision (ht), CA polls, alliance with UCPN (M) Baidya’s agenda, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M-led fringe parties furious: Decide to form team to talk only with Baidhya (ht), Parties ‘most corrupt’ institutions in Nepal, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Cancer of corruption afflicts state organs: Nepali parties, Parliament, bureaucracy, judiciary most corrupt: Transparency International (ht), Triumph of triviality: The government and leaders of the major parties need to get their act together to ensure that slated election for the second CA is not another wasted opportunity, by Bipin Shah (kp), Free and fair election: Security challenges, by Ratindra Khatri (ht)

09/07/2013: CDC advised to increase PR seats in denser areas (kp), All-party round table in the offing, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-Maoist announces 5-member talks team (kp), CPN-M forms talks team in answer to HLPC call: Keeps its govt change, poll deferral stances intact; Says dialogue, agitation to go hand in hand (ht), Indian minister arriving on day-long visit today: Likely to sign MoU on 800 vehicles for polls, by Anil Giri (kp), India provides 764 vehicles for election purpose (nn), How the Yeti rules: Foreign meddling, by Bishal Thapa (rep), Idle talk: Nepal lacks risk-takers, doers and makers; instead, it has talkers, critics and wild-goose chasers, by Zhou Shengpin (kp), Culture And Nationality: Need Is To Promote Them, by Prem Khatry (rn), The November vote, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (rep), Political parties most corrupt in Nepal: Survey (nn)

08/07/2013: Constituency delineation: Civil society members differ on basis (kp), CDC seeks civil society’s suggestions (ht), EC updating voter: roll sans citizenship, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), MoHA prepares poll security plan, by Anil Giri (kp), CPN-Maoist sets bottomline for poll talks (kp), CPN-M wants its demands fulfilled before talks: Adamant that Regmi-led govt should be changed and poll date altered (ht), CPN-Maoist forms talks team led by Baidya (nn), Letting go: The tendency of politicians to remain in power for decades is a serious problem (kp), Let them eat cake: The trapping of power and wealth have made the privileged class indifferent to the plight of the marginalised, by Pranaya SJB Rana (kp), Politicians beware! Probability of dictaturship, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

07/07/2013: HLPC ready to go distance to woo ‘defiant’ CPN-M; Rescheduling the polldate, govt ouster 'non-negotiable' terms, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC decides to be flexibleto the maximum (ht) [Then please dissolve your own illegitimate committee!], Scrap HLPC to hold election, says Thapa (ht), Baidya party’s talks rider to Big 4 (kp), Bhagat Singh gears up for CA polls (kp), Level playing field: The abuse of public resources during campaigning and voting must be dealt with to ensure fair elections, by Narayan Rai (kp), Rise above: Despite worldwide movements for equal rights and representation, Nepali women remain disadvantaged, whether in politics, education, legal rights or economic status, by Rama Bashyal (kp)

06/07/2013: Poll alliance elusive in dearth of Madhesi parties’ ideology, by Pranab Kharel (kp), TMDP presses for 2008 poll code (ht), Dhanusha security upped as outfits threaten to thwart polls (ht), CPN-M’s model for consensus, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CPN-Maoist sets new conditions for consensus (nn), Another milestone achieved in peace process: 1,352 former Maoist combatants complete basic army training,ready to serve the nation (ht), 1,352 ex-combatants now Army personnel (kp), New entrants say dawn of a new era, by Baburam Lamichhane (ht), ‘The weakness is ours’: Former Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel on the 2008 CA polls, and the lessons to be gleaned from it, by Samik Kharel (kp)

05/07/2013: Lawyers divided over temp judges hearing Regmi case, by Pranab Kharel (kp), SC reschedules final hearing on CJ-led govt (ht), Lawyers to CDC: Don’t make major changes (kp), Appeal to delineate 35 constituencies only (ht), Final party count ‘will be less’ than 139 (kp), Nepali Congress ready to discuss all issues with CPN-Maoist: Paudel; Says cannot be flexible on scheduled poll date (ht), 1352 ex-combatants complete army training (nn), Sworga Dwari shrine reclaims 140 ropanis of land from UCPN (M) (nn), A Muse On Election Constituency Delineation, by Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang (rn), Here we go: Doomed to repeat it; Our leaders haven’t learnt from history, by Trishna Rana (nt), Lumpenization of public life in Nepal, by C.K. Lal (rep), Step out of the freezer, Comrades!, by Prashaant Singh (rep)

04/07/2013: Poll date set, but people not so confident yet: High time govt acted to inspire confidence, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Regmi urges Dahal nto help bring all parties to ballot (ht), Baidya stays loose amid anti-election posture, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp), CPN-M poll disruption programmes soon (ht), 12 Tarai armed outfits unite to ‘foil’ Nov polls (kp), Supreme Court to test legitimacy of Regmi-led govt (ht), Show cause notices on election ordinance (ht), Remain apolitical, experts tell CDC (kp), Nationalist nomenclature: The call to rename schools with ‘foreign’ names harkens back to the Panchayat days when the idea of a unitary Nepali identity prevailed, by Deepak Thapa (kp), Nowhere people: Govt must accept its culpability in pushing its citizens to migrate and its negligence in safeguarding their rights and welfare, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Dr. Bhattarai's resignation: Some Unmitigated Issues Within UCPN-Maoist, by Mukti Rijal (rn), Costly aversion: Social media and CA polls, by Arun Rai (rep)

03/07/2013: Increase constituencies in line with population: Madhes parties (kp), Make population basis: Madhesi parties (ht), CPN-M to go all out to foil polls: Party says all doors for dialogue closed, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), CPN-M to deploy disruption dastas at polling booths, by Rishi Baral (ht), UN chief pledges whole-hearted support for polls (kp), Hold local polls too: UML (kp), Conflict victims yet to get relief, by Rajendra Nath (kp), The spirit of compromise: The success of political compromise in a democracy depends on the attitude and behaviour of political leaders as well as how citizens mobilise in support of causes, by Rajju Malla Dhakal (kp), Strange bedfellows: Ultra-leftists dislike elections and the Kathmandu elite hates federalism and inclusion, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Over their heads: The common people in Nepal are generally not aware of the process of policy making, by Rajeev Thapa (kp), Shortfall in the peace process: Points to revisit, by Umesh K. Bhattarai (ht), Tough task: Delineating constituencies (rep)

02/07/2013: CDC interacts with parties: Debates on whether only 35 constituencies can be realigned, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Population alone not a basis: Non-Madhesi parties; Case made for inclusion of geography,international standard as criteria for delineation (ht), The most important ‘uneasy alliance’ in Nepali politics, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-Maoist in ‘foil-poll’ mood (ht), CPN-Maoist leaders seek paramilitary force formation, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Comrades in crisis: The CPN-Maoist must abandon violent revolt and embrace the path of peace and constitution, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Free for all: Impunity and adulteration (rep), UN Secy Gen stresses on credible, democratic polls (nn), Dalit movement against Rautahat case on the wane: Rights activists, by Weena Pun (kp), Ceremonial change: Recent assertions by Dalits, Kamlaris and other underprivileged groups point to a society still entrenched in social hierarchy and discrimination, by Lok Raj Baral (kp), Effectiveness of election code of conduct: When money and muscles thrive, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ht), Dahal-nomics explained, by Sukhdev Shah (rep)

01/07/2013: Cabinet chairman regrets CA dissolution (kp), Convict provision in CA act: SC seeks explanation (kp), cause election ordinance (ht), Show on biasedCDC, 17 parties meeting today (kp), EC likely to re-open party registration process (kp), Bhattarai refuses to budge; party calls July 19 plenum: Dahal says people want to see him and his deputy go hand-in-hand, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Confrontation if govt goes ahead with polls: Leaders, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Keep talking: CPN-Maoist must adopt a strategy involving negotiation, not violence (kp), A constitution made through this election will have no meaning, interview with C.P. Gajurel (kp), Madhesi parties aspire to become national parties, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

30/06/2013: Bhattarai ‘gives up’ Maoist veep post: Announcement follows charges against him of promoting factional politics by CC members, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Bhattarai resigns as UCPN-M vice-chairman (ht), Regmi, Dahal in bid to bring CPN-M on board (ht), CPN-M confirms CA vote boycott plan, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp), Can Madhesi parties unite to form a single force? Not until they give up their ministerial ambitions and lust for power and plum posts: Experts, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Dissecting democracy: Nepalis endorse federalism in the Nepal Democracy Survey: Round III, by Krishna Hachhethu (kp), Constitution chimera, by Murari Sharma (rep)

29/06/2013: Watchdog demands code of conduct for election observers (ht), November elections: Helicopter use, if allowed, would still mean ‘violating code’, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-M to seek army’s help to halt poll: Gajurel (ht), Seven injured in dispute over access to temple (ht), Local Governance In Chaos, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

28/06/2013: Leaders ask EC to shed ‘harsh’ poll code terms, by Bhadra Sharma (kp) [The task is not to make the HLPC and other party leaders happy!!], Party or people: There are still many difficulties on route to CA polls without major parties publicly voicing their differences with the EC, by Shyam K.C., Retain previous PR ratio: NMSP (ht), Fears grow of Dalit privileges being trashed in upcoming Assembly, by Weena Pun (kp), Local democracy in chaos: Election is the solution, by Pranav Bhattarai (ht), Identity and equality is all that indigenous women want, by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (rep), Battle for the ballots: Now that November polls look probable its back to the good, bad, and ugly in politics, by Anurag Acharya (nt), "Proposed Polls Meaningless", interview with Mohan Vaidya (sp), "Polls Inevitable", interview with Sujata Koirala (sp), Government's Honeymoon: Retired, Not Tired, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

27/06/2013: CEC ‘political moves’ get on HLPC members’ nerves, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Constituency delimitation: Collision likely over geographical names, by Pranab Kharel (kp), CDC got to go the limit to delimit constituencies: Will Kathmandu get more seats — three to five, or will some Tarai districts lose? (ht), Not there yet: CA composition and constituency delineation will be controversial issues in days to come (kp), TMLP, Sadbhawana in unification parleys (kp), Round table possible ‘only if CPN-Maoist agrees to election’ (ht), No change of guard, no new poll date: Four major forces not averse to other demands of disgruntled parties (ht), CPN-M to put forth riders for poll participation (nn), Power to the people: It is not just politicians who have failed Nepal’s sovereignty; traditional elites and patriot-intellectuals have compromised it no less, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Polls are ploy to Sikkimize Nepal, interview with Dev Gurung (rep)

26/06/2013: Ad-hoc elections: The EC’s efforts to reform Nepal’s electoral system for greater credibility were politically thwarted, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), In full shape, CDC talks work process (kp), Panel to delineate constituencies begins work: Contradictory statutory provisions could complicate its functioning, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Convict provision in poll act challenged in court (kp), SC moved against CA election ordinance (ht), EC wants poll-opposing parties in by mid-August, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties open to round table conference idea, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Baidhya dismisses talk of unity with UCPN-M: Tells Dahal to create environment for participation in poll, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), MK Nepal alleges political meddling in Rautahat case (kp), Dalits, non-Dalits unite to end discrimination (kp), More equal: President Yadav’s recent medical trip perpetuates our feudal past (kp)

25/06/2013: Uninspiring: 100 days of Regmi (ht), EC code to ban election extravaganza: Political parties must avoid chartered choppers, planes No wall paintings, loudspeakers, by Samik Kharel (kp), 42 parties seek resumption of party registration process (kp), CPN-M, FSP, FDFN set riders to join election process: Say all-party conference should be held to start new political course, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-Maoist-led alliance to go solo against polls, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), NC, UML in bid to woo disgruntled parties: Say they will agree to all demands but change of govt, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Free and fearless: Credible elections will require a voting environment free of violence intimidation (kp), Yang welcomes CA election date, assures support, by Anil Giri (kp), Bill the President: Until the country has the same health package for all its citizens, the state cannot treat the President, by Suman Khadka (kp), President’s health condition ‘absolutely normal’ (ht), All rise: Vilifying Prachanda, by Bishal Thapa (rep)

24/06/2013: Discontent as poll govt marks 100 days in office: Govt lists announcement of election date as its major achievement (kp), Govt makes public its 100-day report (ht), CPN-M firm on sabotaging CA election (ht), How the party was forced into a corner, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-Maoist wants formation of all-party govt if it is to take part in November election (nn), Two parties not to join protest hands with Baidya bloc, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), FSP refuses to be part of HLPC, Cabinet: Adamant on 60 per cent seats under PR system in the new CA (ht), Resolve prickly issues through talks: FDRA (ht), UCPN (M)-Morcha election alliance not in the making at least for now, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Poll security-weary EC floats multiple options, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Commission, secretaries to dwell on code today (kp), Rs 1b for outreach campaign, by Samik Kharel (kp), Former Kamlaris warn fresh unrest: Ask govt to implement deal within mid-July, by Weena Pun (kp), Attack On Dalit Community: Shame On Loktantra, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn)

23/06/2013: NC to ‘propose’ 3 provinces in new federal set up, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Koirala nay to Madhes autonomous state (kp), UCPN (Maoist) ‘ready’ for HLPC, Cabinet shake-up (kp), Rejig Cabinet to include agitating parties: Sapkota (ht), Sharma says CPN-M will take part in polls (ht 23/06/2013), Is SP giving the cold shoulder to UDMF? (ht), Gachchadhar tries to woo FSP as alliance of poll-opposing parties starts to disintegrate (nn), Dang farmers return seized land, by Durga Lal K.C. (kp), Political visions and hierarchies: It is futile to expect all groups of people to share a common vision but without a shared vision, how can they work to restructure the country?, by Abhi Subedi (kp), Let people choose: CA part 2, by Anil Shah (rep)

22/06/2013: November polls to cost EC, political parties a fortune, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Accessible to all, by Bhadra Sharma and Roshan Sedhai (kp), Declare Sharma CJ, says legal fraternity (ht), 18-party front to topple election government (ht), Parties interfered in Rautahat investigations: Dalit activists, by Weena Pun (kp), Reinvigorated YCL eyes CA elections, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht)

21/06/2013: Pvt sector urges EC to check forced donations during polls, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Gagan wants HLPC gone (kp) [!!!], HLPC should be scrapped, Regmi should resign from CJ post to appease dissident parties: Thapa (nn), CDC faces constituency delimitation hurdles, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Dissident parties eye a broader alliance, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Dealing with dissent: All parties must be brought on board the political process, as elections will only be justified if all political forces participate, by Jeetendra Dev (kp), Pressure piles on parties to join elections (ht), Regmi govt’s constitutionality test on July 4, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Regmi appointment: Place all petitions together, says SC (kp), No legal bar on one person at EC helm two times: Uprety, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Activists demand immediate release of Rautahat report, by Weena Pun (kp), National scene: Political class fails to act, by Mukti Rijal (ht), The despair of bourgeoisie, by C.K. Lal (rep), Closed minds and shutdowns: Politicians think they can punish the people and still get their support, by Dhana Hamal (nt), True reconciliation: Setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission will not by itself ensure truth or reconciliation, by George Varughese and Tamar Luster (nt)

20/06/2013: CPN-M misses EC consultation, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-M into forming ‘people’s govt’ (ht), Madhesi Morcha meeting on Saturday; agenda alliance (kp), Congress, Madhesi forces may join hands for upcoming polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Inclusiveness to protectcountry, says ex-king, by Shyamsundar Shashi (kp) [The non-inclusive state and the suppression of ethnic and regional cultures and languages has been the basis of the Shah state for more than 200 years!!], All for one: Towards new polls (rep), Abide by poll timetable, EC urges parties (ht), Violent polls in the cards, interview with Gagan Thapa (rep), CA seats should not exceed 491: Sushil (nn) [Then reduce the number of FPTP seats to not more than 160!!], Comrades no more: One expected the Maoists parties to abhor the continued existence of the Kamlari system, but both remained inexplicably mute, by Deepak Thapa (kp)

19/06/2013: CPN-UML sees Congress as main rival in CA elections: Expects a tough fight from UCPN (Maoist), Madhes parties (kp), Baidya-led alliance for interaction (kp), CPN-M demands alright, save govt change: Deuba (ht), Poll process time table announced (ht), 22 PLA men quit army training (nn)

18/06/2013: HLPC to seek agitating parties’ ‘bottom line’ (kp), CPN-M settles on all-party council, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Roots of evil: Providing power and agency to women can considerably weaken the patriarchal mindset (kp), Carving constituencies: Voter population, issues of inclusion and gerrymandering pose challenges to constituency delimitation, by Tej Prasad Adhikari (kp)

17/06/2013: EC readies codes of conduct for poll, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), 42 poll-opposed parties bring nation to a halt (kp), Proceed carefully: Agitating parties should be pacified in a manner that doesn’t jeopardise the political process (kp), A host of challenges stare parties in face, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), NHRC calls for end to banda practice (kp), Courting comrades: Why is the largest party in the erstwhile CA so desperately seeking electoral alliances with fringe parties?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Unless we pose a threat to the state, our issues will not be addressed, interview with Durga Sob, National Dalit Commission (kp), The Koirala complex: Sidelines, by C.K. Lal (rep)

16/06/2013: Govt, HLPC trying to win over poll-opposing parties: ‘MJF-N, FSPN will be part of poll process if their demands are met’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Urge to bring dissidents on board, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Gurung dares govt to hold polls on Nov 19 (ht), Amend constitutional process first: Bhusal (ht), Nationwide bandh called against announcement of poll date affects life partially (nn), Defections gain ground in Madhes, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Chairman, divided: From a purely pragmatic perspective, the call for Khil Raj Regmi to resign as Chief Justice is correct, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Great expectations: Republicans have failed on all counts, from nation building and constitution writing to the preservation of national integrity and social harmony, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), Government Not Out Of The Woods, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn), Hard work begins: New CA election, by Peter W. Bodde, US ambassador to Nepal (kp)

15/06/2013: Join in, Regmi tells poll-opposing parties: Says govt under him was a necessity, not his choice; he’s detached himself from judiciary (kp) [This is not true Mr Regmi! Those parties do not oppose elections but HLPC and your government which are both illegitimate! As Chief Justice you should be well aware that there would have been a constitutional way to solve the legitimacy crisis!!], Step down as CJ, civil society asks Regmi (ht), Regmi seeks support to ensure free, fair polls (ht), International community lauds vote date declaration (kp), Plaudits pour in for poll date announcement (ht), Got a date: November 19 election (rep), HLPC to convince agitating parties to go to the polls (kp), Gachchhadar gets his turn to head HLPC (nn), Baidya, Yadav, Rai answer with protest programme, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Three agitating forces to enforce strike tomorrow (ht), ‘Ensure 13 pc Dalit representation in CA’: Rights activists say number of Dalits may fall in new CA (kp) [Thanks to the HLPC ambitions this is for sure also for women, Janajati and Madhesi!!], Bhattarai for more proportional representation to bring dissidents on board (nn), Election authority geared up for CA vote (kp), EVM plan may not materialise (kp), Deficit Of Democratic Values, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

14/06/2013: Govt sets November 19 date for CA polls: Poll ordinance sent to Prez; disputed threshold provision removed, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Govt sets CA election date for November 19: Scraps threshold proviso; Those convicted of heinous crime disqualified from contestingpolls , by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Regmi address the nation; urges broad support for fair polls (nn), Prez approves election ordinance sans threshold (nn), HLPC lauds announcement of poll date, will hold talks with dissident parties (nn), Poll-opposing parties threaten joint protests, by Roshjan Sedhai (kp) [They do not oppose elections but the illegitimate and senseless procedure! The current way only opens the door to many more years of power fighting by the traditional and failed party elites without producing a new constitution for an inclusive federal state!], ‘Constituency marking plan beset with hurdles’, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Baidhya threatens to write statute from street (ht), Seven families await compensation for government-acquired land, by Binod Tripathi (kp), Silent alarm: If the demands of the marginalised remain unaddressed, their frustration could explode, by Rup Kumar BK (kp), Street protests: Playing havoc with mobility, by Ashish Gajurel (ht), Breaking views: As elections look more probable, the mainstream media also becomes an extension of the political parties, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Toughness Required, by Tilak Rawal (sp), Polls Apart, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

13/06/2013: EC centre to command 100,000 security personnel for elections: Joint Election Operation Centre to check poll-related violence, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Curfew in Jumla after NC, CPN-Maoist slug it out (kp), 7 parties’ Dalit wings to continue sit-in protest across country, by Weena Pun (kp), Eyes on the prize: Without a broader agenda and vision, Madhesi leaders will remain unsucessful in electoral politics, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Teaching peace; Need for peace education, by Mahabir Paudyal  (rep)

12/06/2013: Minister says govt planning to announce poll date by June 15, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC urges Regmi to declare poll date (ht), Quick, quick: New election date (rep), CPN-Maoist ‘donation’ letters evoke insurgency-era fears, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp), EC seeks enough budget for poll (ht), Is Phulkaji evil? Pictures of reality that journalists produce can form or solidify a destructive opinion, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp), State not there for poor and oppressed, interview with Shanta Chaudhary (rep), Vision for tomorrow, by Sher Bahadur Deuba (rep)

11/06/2013: HLPC authorises govt to take a call, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties pass on prickly issues to Regmi-led govt, by Prakash Acharya (ht), EC to parties: No ‘donations’ (kp), Banda in Rajbiraj to protest ex-king Gyanendra’s visit, by Jitendra Khadga (kp), Dalits announce protest programmes (kp), One of us: Politicians merely reflect the society we live in, they do not drop in from another planet, by Sujeev Shakya (kp) [Yes, but they only reflect a small elite section of society!], Boosting national morale: Any attempt to bring about unity through forced homogenisation is bound to be suicidal, by Ranadhoj Limbu-Angbuhang (kp)

10/06/2013: First things first: A revived Constituent Assembly is the best option to institutionalise the gains of the republican era, by Erisha Suwal (kp), HLPC talks go pear-shaped again (kp), No headway at HLPC meeting: Govt likely to decide unilaterally (ht), HLPC decides to allow govt to finalise election ordinance; agree on 2-5 pc threshold for next general election (nn), UML sticks to stance on election law issues (kp), Rautahat Dalit settlement attack: District chief thwarts bid to locally reconcile case; National Human Rights Commission seeks justice for victims, by Shiva Puri (kp), Unite and conquer: Dalit groups need to politically combat caste-based discrimination at all levels (kp), NHRC condemns attack on Dalits (ht), More action needed (ht), Where's the will? (rep), The door to polls will open and we will have elections, interview with Neel Kantha Uprety (kp), Setting qualifications for lawmakers: A comprehensive law is required, by Gyan Basnet (ht), Transporation strike in five districts surrounding Ktm Valley (nn)

09/06/2013: Two for the price of one: Holding the CA and local elections together will save costs and end people’s suffering, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Parties deadlocked over threshold (ht), Govt to parties: Agree within 2 days; Suggests removing threshold provision from the proposed draft of the CA Member Act, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Interest groups behind the mushrooming of parties, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Thakur urges Madhesi unity for elections (ht), The right stand: Maoists and CA polls, by Mohan Bukram Singh (rep), 14 injured in Dalit settlement attack, by Shiva Puri (kp), Dalits thrashed over entry into temple (ht)

08/06/2013: HLPC sets date with Regmi to settle poll law issues (kp), Vote threshold still a bone of contention, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Parties delaying CA polls: Uprety (ht), CA polls only way to end impasse: UML leader; Says Regmi’s presence or absence does not count (ht) [The impasse will stay as long as these current leaders have any say! They only want elections to continue their power fights for years!!!], Govt, Kamlaris ink deal; protests end, by Weena Pun (kp), Govt to address ex-kamlaris’ demands (ht), CPN-M to halt protest during rainy season (kp)

07/06/2013: EC proposes Nov 14 election date: Government says it will announce any date before November 22 for the CA polls, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Regmi-given deadline ending today; leaders ooze optimism, by Pranab Kharel and Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), FDFN gives one-week ultimatum (ht), Bring parties on poll track, EU to Khanal (kp), Govt-Kamlari talks ‘positive’ (kp), Accord still elusive in kamlari negotiations (ht), Banda continues in western Tarai (kp), War’s legacy: a gun culture; The conflict may be over, but a new survey shows high levels of violence because there are so many guns around, by Sulaiman Daud (nt), Elections and the un-democracy: Elections are meant to promote democracy, not defeat it; which is why care must be given to planning an inclusive, independent exercise, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Including the excluded: The only way to justify Nepal’s painfully long transition is to ensure election rules that level the playing field, by Anurag Acharya (nt), The republic turns five: The triumph of consensus over due process, by Maneet Dhungel (rep), Clutching at strands of straw, by C.K. Lal (rep), Enforcement of anti-untouchability law still weak, by Kamal Pariyar (rep)

06/06/2013: Prez urges top leaders to let go of discord (kp), Prez intensifies political parleys to simplify process for holding CA election (nn), Way too long: Path to new CA polls (rep), Supreme Court asks Regmi to explain his double role (kp), West Madhes not on leadership map, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Baidya, Rai, Yadav on the same wavelength, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Eight-party Front puts up bold front (kp), Upendra-led alliance issues seven-day ultimatum to govt (nn), FDFN to give govt one week ultimatum (ht), RPP chief backtracks on threshold provision (ht), Govt panel to probe ex-Kamlari’s death, by Weena Pun (kp), No progress in kamlari talks: Protesters in no mood to give continuity to discussions (ht), Banda hits west Tarai (kp), Breaking barriers: Bonded laborers, by Michael Rosenkrantz (rep), 9th anniversary of Badarmudhe incident: Victims demand perpetrators be brought to book; Say they want guilty punished, not relief package announced by govt, by Surya Prakash Kandel (ht), Conflicting interests: Party vs nation, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (rep)

05/06/2013: UCPN (M), some Madhes parties mull poll alliance, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Failing to hold CA election within November will put democracy at severe risk: Koirala (nn) [which democracy?], Govt-Kamlari dialogue inconclusive, by Weena Pun (kp), Freed kamlaris stage rally in Capital city (ht), Kamlari banda hits Tarai (kp), 'Freed Kamlharis' enforce second day of Terai bandh (nn), War cry: Kamlari protests (rep), The only option is damage control, interview with Ishwar Pokharel (rep)

04/06/2013: HLPC agrees on 491-strong CA: Yet to settle other election issues; Leaders hope for deal soon (ht) [May the idea of an inclusive CA rest in peace as demanded by the NC, the greatest veto player in in respect to federalism and inclusion!!], Regmi gives big four parties a deadline to act: Says govt will make moves if deal bid fails (kp), UML urges Regmi to endorse ordinances, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Rai laughs off four-party ‘syndicate’ (kp), Bandarmude victims turn down government aid: Say they want justice first, not dev projects, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Divided they fall: Our civil society leaders have become fragmented, partisan and insular, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Democracy in reverse: Need for local elections, by Sukhdev Shah (rep), Terai region hit hard by day-long bandh imposed by Kamlharis (nn)

03/06/2013: Eight-man taskforce fails to resolve contentious issues: HLPC meeting today to discuss proposed CA Member Act 2013, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Squabbling parties put polls on back burner (ht), HLPC fails to settle poll issues: Members agree to find solution as per the spirit of March 13 pact (ht), Deal with dissent: Efforts should be made to accommodate dissenting parties in the political process (kp), Let The Government Decide, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn), Big four set to go for 491-member CA; dispute on other poll issues remains (nn), CA election by mid-December: Commissioner Thakur (nn), Clash leaves Charikot tense (ht), Dolakha hit hard by NC's indefinite bandh (nn), NC, UCPN (Maoist) agree to bury hatchet; Dolakha bandh called off (nn), Fears of EVM plan in CA election turning a fiasco, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Without elected representatives, Nepal is not a democracy, interview with Upendra Yadav (kp), Politics of belonging: The citizenship process has deliberately been complicated to discourage Madhesis from seeking citizenship, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Existential angst: UML-Maoist Hostility, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

02/06/2013: NBA says Regmi must quit as CJ: Bar reiterates his appointment is against the principle of separation of powers, by Prakash Baral (kp), Govt talks with poll-opposing parties turn a damp squib, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), 33 parties to change stir mode (kp), NC backs equal quota system for CA election (ht), Mahato for alliance with Dalits, Muslims, Janajatis (ht), Time to regroup: NEFIN and Janajati politics, by Arun Rai (rep), Kin of conflict victim struggling for justice, by Rajendra Nath (kp)

01/06/2013: In the wake of failure: A year since the demise of the Constituent Assembly, and crisis appears to have deepened further in Nepali politics, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), The republic: While the evil-doers sit inside Tundikhel and enjoy the circus acts on Republic Day, the real jantas are outside the gates, by Guffadi (kp), It’s official, May 28 is country’s National Day (kp) [?? The current politics have nothing to do with res publica!!], Tough task ahead for HLPC panel, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), HLPC meeting fails as parties dig in heels (ht), 33 parties warn govt of shutdown (ht), TMDP stands against election threshold (ht), Crunch time: Disagreement over election (rep), Deuba gets Delhi invite, UML’s Nepal may be next, by Mahesh Acharya and Devendra Bhattarai (kp) [Nepal's politicians still need instructions from India!], India asked for 1,000 vehicles for CA polls, by Anil Giri (kp), EC gets tough on party registration, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), I’ll resign if Regmi returns: Acting CJ, by Prakash Baral (kp)

31/05/2013: 60 parties seek registration on last day: Adamant, CPN-M stays out of it; EC says it won’t wait for Baidya, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Number of parties registered with EC reaches 134 as deadline ends: CPN-Maoist and otherfringe outfits did not apply (ht), Number of political parties registering with EC reaches 140 on last day (nn), Panel to settle poll law dispute (kp) [There cannot be enough panels to waste the next years!!], HLPC sets up taskforce to iron out differences pertaining to poll laws: Panel to submit recommendation before Monday (ht), Between a rock and a hard place: Nepal’s political players should finally learn that the only way to reduce outside interference is to put our own house in order (nt), Call for 33pc CA seats for women, by Weena Pun (kp) [This is only possible if 60% of the future CA members will be elected through the proportional lists!!], Madhes gears up for polls: Common symbol, flag on agenda, by Pranab Kharel (kp), JP Gupta, SS Bhandari in bid to unify or ally their parties (ht), Lawati threatens to reinstate monarchy (kp), ‘SC delaying case meant to decide Regmi’s fate’ (ht), Strike affects eastern districts (kp), The rot at the bottom: The uncertainty over politicised student union elections reflects doubts over national elections, by Trishna Rana (nt), Limbuwan strike against FSU election hits life in east (ht), Half the sky: Effective interventions must engage men to address social norms that legitimise male power, control and the use of violence, by Sambriddhi Kharel (kp), Muslim women seek their rights, by Rakesh Chaudhary (rep), Our political culture: Of carpetbaggers and sukul-goondas, by Mani Dixit (ht), Who is a Nepali?, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Just want justice: Parents of youth murdered during the war are themselves illegally detained, by Dambar K. Shrestha (nt), Hard To Tell When: Despite the consensus among the political parties to hold the election, they are yet to agree on the election date, by Keshab Poudel (sp)

30/05/2013: On 6th Republic Day, country looks divided: Govt organises special official event; civil society shuns it to hold protest programme near CA building (kp) [Nepal is not a republic but an oligarchy of male high caste party 'leaders'!!], Boycotts overshadow Republic Day: NBA, civil society members choose to give official celebrations a miss (ht), Conflict-hit see no reason to celebrate (ht), NC leaders Koirala, Deuba skip Prez high-tea (kp), Nation still struggling to institutionalise achievements: Prez (kp), Seven eastern districts hit hard by Limbuwan group's strike; CPN-M enforces bandh in Rupandehi (nn), Out with the old: The term Dalit has negative connotations of caste stereotypes and should be replaced, by Rajendra Senchurey (kp), Political decisions: Rules of the game are nothing more than makeshift, patchwork with hardly any logic behind them, by Narayan Manandhar (kp)

29/05/2013: Govt for poll date even if consensus bid fails, by Anil Giri (kp), Nefin airs CA seat concerns (kp), SC writ seeks Regmi gone as CJ (kp), Truth and consequences: The TRC ordinance ignores consultations with victims and doesn’t address their aspirations, by Suman Adhikari (kp), Time to reflect: Six years of Republic Nepal (rep) [Nepal is a republic only on paper! In practice treats a handful of high caste male party leaders the country as their property!!], Election date nowhere as leaders promised (ht), Fringe Madhesi parties support Thakur’s unification initiative (ht)

28/05/2013: Political schism deepened after CA demise, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [The party leaders' behaviour after the 2008 elections was unconstitutional in many ways, but for one year now Nepal is in a state of fundamental illegitimacy!!], SC show-cause on Regmi appt (kp), Show cause on CJ as govt head (ht), Jungum asked to clarify petition further, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Civil society to boycott official R-Day events (kp), Koirala skips High-level political panel meeting (kp), NC president, deputy disagree on Regmi’s resignation as CJ, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Leaders sit for talks, fail to touch upon agendas: Are reluctant to budge from their earlier stances, by Prakash Acharya (ht), 67 parties registered with EC (nn), FSPN registered with Election Commission (kp), We are not against election: Baidhya (ht), NHRC Chair comes down heavily on govt, parties : Blames them for deteriorating rights situation (ht)

27/05/2013: On ‘quit as CJ’ demand, Regmi refuses to budge: Says parties have no right to seek resignation (kp) [If he does not understand that he has no constitutional right to be chief justice and head of the executive at the same time, then he has failed in both positions! The way of his nomination as head of the executive has been unconstitutional either!!], Take the bait: Regmi could resign as CJ (rep), Minister rules out resignation of Regmi as CJ (nn), SC issues show-cause notice over appointment of Regmi as govt chief (nn), Not too many: Govt must push for consensus on electoral laws, announce poll date (kp), Sadbhawana Party’s Madhes banda throws life out of gear (kp), Protests off after truce with govt (kp), Govt assures Mahato of polls by Nov 23 (kp), 54 parties apply for registration (kp), FSPN to register today (kp), Criminals for candidates: Allowing convicted criminals to contest elections will set a dangerous legal precedent, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), There is no reason why elections will not be held in time, interview with Surya Bahadur Thapa (kp), Mixed bag: Anti-Caste Act, 2011, by Bijay Vishwakarma (rep)

26/05/2013: Congress, UML to call Regmi to quit Chief Justice post (kp), Govt, HLPC on the outs as crucial talks today, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), UN chief to parties: Overcome obstacles to hold timely polls (kp), Madhes-based parties hint at broader alliance, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), TMDP in bid to cobble up Madhesi unity: MJF-Nepal, MJF-Democratic and Sadbhavana, however, choose to stay away, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), 2 ministers, Indian envoy meet Mahato in hospital (kp), Terai region affected by Sadbhawana bandh (nn), Not the same old story: It will be counter-productive to go for new CA elections without reflecting on the limitations of the old one, by Kumar Sharma (kp), The glass ceiling: Local polls and leaders, by Bijay Kumar Shahi (rep), Dalit Civil Society launches anti-touchability campaign (rep)

25/05/2013: HLPC, govt to talk thorny poll issues (kp), HLPC, govt to talk election progress (ht), Police break Mahato’s death fast: Sadbhawana Party chairman admitted to Bir Hospital ICU (kp), Mahato evicted from protest site, hospitalised (ht), Clean until proven guilty, Regmi, Karki tell court, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [Says the Chief Justice to his law court! He cannot be called guilty, but he is not fit for this position!!], Decision to withdraw murder case rejected (ht), Move afoot to sever school teachers’ ties with parties (ht), Youth in politics, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht)

24/05/2013: Politics churns in crucial Madhes: Madhesi leaders opt ‘pressure tactics’ to establish themselves as credible force in polls, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Mahato’s health deteriorates (ht), Mahato evacuated from indefinite hunger strike venue; admitted to ICU (nn), UCPN-Maoist on same page with Congress, UML? (ht), The newspeak of neocons & republican high, by C.K. Lal (rep), Nefin not for single ethnic identity-based federalism: Kumal, by Om Astha Rai (rep), Syndicated federation, by Bihari K. Shrestha (nt), Unfinished business: Wars leave a mess, it’s up to the warriors to clean it up when they stop fighting (nt), United by lifelong grief: For the parents of the victims, the war never ended, by Rameshwor Bohara (nt), No peace after war: A former Maoist guerrilla and a health worker write compelling accounts of what they lived through during the conflict, by Kunda Dixit (nt)

23/05/2013: Congress, UML to put up united face on poll laws, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), 2 parties to Regmi: Ignore Maoist plans (kp), NEFIN opposes proposal to slash CA seats, threshold (nn), Last resort: CPN-Maoist should realise and convince its cadres of the benefits of contesting election (kp), Politics and conflict resolution: Shortfalls in peace process, by Umesh K. Bhattarai (ht), The situation is not favorable for polls, interview with Ashok Rai (rep), Justice delayed: Cases of disappearances (rep), 'Impunity has further entrenched in Nepal' (nn)

22/05/2013: First amend statute, then form CDC: Gupta (ht) [This constitution can only be amended by the parliament that has been elected by the people, not by party leaders who, in part, have even been rejected in 2008!!], What parties are doing to ensure CA elections: Don’t seem ready to yield even an inch to go the distance (ht), 35 parties apply for place in EC book (kp), Mahato launches death fast (kp), SP’s Mahato resortsto fast unto death: Casts doubt on whether CA poll will be held (ht), Ready to have ex-king as party candidate if he changes: Mahara (kp) [??? You forget that he has staged a coup and that he suppressed the people in times of emergency and Jana Andolan II in the most brutal way!!], We will write the constitution from the streets itself: Baidya (nn), Poll ordinance: UML, NC discuss contentious issues (nn), Koirala in favour of 491-member CA (ht), NC, UML reiterate commitment on 1 PC PR threshold provision (rep), Comfortably numb: The parties cannot hold the poor hostage in the name of transition (kp), Defending democracy: Is the foundation of democracy so fragile that one needs to fear an individual like Karki?, by Dhiraj Pokhrel (kp), Revenue Vs Service, by Hira Bahadur Thapa (rn), What's new? RJP-RPP unity, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

21/05/2013: No talks for now, says CPN-M, again (kp), Sadbhavana, govt talks inconclusive (ht), Thapa hits out at ‘4-party syndicate’ (kp), Court moved against plan to have 10,000 signatures (kp), Pvt sector unites against donation terror, strikes: Calls for free, fair, peaceful election that will lead the country towards economic prosperity (ht), State should end injustice and discrimination, interview with Om Gurung (kp), New CA should promote pluralism and development, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Local democracy in peril: Elections to local bodies and the Constituent Assembly should be held in tandem, by Mukti Rijal (kp), A thin veil: Discrimination and constitution, by Ganesh Bhattarai (rep), Report stressing need of inclusiveness in media submitted (nn)

20/05/2013: Dispute over electoral laws: Regmi tells leaders to find common ground (kp), FDRA to name common candidates (ht), SP calls it off in districts, puts it off in capital (ht), CPN-M obstructs mobile camp (ht), The other red line: Postponing elections to bring the CPN-Maoist on board is meaningless, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), We will not accept federalism without identity, interview with Nagendra Kumal, president of NEFIN (kp), Short-sighted leadership: Larger issues obscured, by Mukti Rijal (ht), Demon-cracy: Obstacle to democracy, by Barsha Paudel (rep), The PEON power, by C.K. Lal (rep)

19/05/2013: Major parties at odds over poll date (kp), ‘Regmi to go if he turns an autocrat’ (kp) [???], Mahato announces fast-unto-death (kp), Rayamajhi agrees with NC, UML poll law demands (ht), Foreign hand: The President missed his chance to right wrongs, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), The sceptics have won, by Siddharth Poddar (ht), Practice, not preach: Inclusion in political parties (rep)

18/05/2013: Judiciary rapped for attack on Kantipur (kp), RJP, RPP decide to merge: To go to the polls as the Rastriya Shakti Prajatantra Party, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Sadbhawana seeks CA poll date pronto (kp), MJF-N may give elections a miss (ht), Revise election laws, demand fringe parties (ht), The path to Polls, by Anup Ojha and Bhadra Sharma (kp), The progressive mind: Open letter to Baburam Bhattarai, by Madhu Ghimire (rep), Whither justice, by Pranav Bhattarai (rn)

17/05/2013: "Inclusion" in political parties: Is it merely a popular slogan?, by Meghraj Rasaili (rep), Fed Dem Front urges govt to scrap PR threshold (kp), HLPC meet under Khanal a dud (kp), Appointments made by: Bhattarai govt to be scrapped (ht) [??], Koirala assures 33 pc quota for women in CA poll (ht) [Also for the FPTP candidates??], Baidhya calls for fresh consensus for solution (ht), Fringe parties ask govt to forgo threshold, provision for 10,000 signatures (nn), Diplomatic privilege: Roads to infinity, by Mani Dixit (ht), In contempt of the republic: Nepal’s judiciary must lead the country out of the political morass it helped create, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Sooner or Later Political Dues Will Have To Be Paid, by D.M. Thapa (rn)

16/05/2013: NEFIN new chair warns of stronger movement (ht), Dahal assures 33 per cent representation for women in Constituent Assembly (ht), Numbers game (kp), Proportional rep threshold: Dahal wants provision removed, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), PR threshold could be dropped, govt hints (ht), Rift over letting convicts contest, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Explain Karki’s nomination, Supreme Court tells Regmi (kp), SC issues show cause notice on Karki’s appointment (ht), Govt may declare missing Maoist weapons illegal, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), SC seeks Kantipur’s court articles (kp), SC wants to see ‘contempt materials’ printed in Kantipur (ht), Civil society group to boycott Republic Day event (kp), Sadbhavana Party’s hunger strike unto death spreads to 22 districts, by Ram Kumar Kamat (kp), Election is what matters, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Access denied, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Please explain: Electoral rhetoric, by Shreya Paudel (rep)

15/05/2013: Regmi reply to apex court in TRC case: Pardon for war crimes ‘conditional’, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Khanal takes HLPC leadership (nn), HLPC, opposition talks not held: Four forces don’t want elections, says Ashok Rai (ht) Talks with parties yield no result (ht), Agitating 33 parties picket CIAA (kp), Baidya rules out possibility of talks with govt (nn), Reason over passion: CPN-Maoist’s rigid poll stand (rep), Sticking points in poll laws: UCPN (M) proposes govt take final call on thorny issues, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), EC chief advises Regmi to be flexibile on electoral reforms (ht), Okay poll Act, EC tells govt, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), No record of foreign money spentin CA polls (ht), Kumal takes over Janajati body reins (kp), Kumal wins NEFIN Chair (ht), Karki and anarchy: The hullabaloo over his appointment is all ritual, what happened backstage is not yet known, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), In deep trouble: Karki appointment, by Ajit N.S. Thapa (rep)

14/05/2013: Cabinet invites CPN-Maoist for talks: Party says not until govt meets its conditions (ht), Govt in ‘final bid’ to woo 33 parties (kp), Form constituency fixing body: HLPC (kp), HLPC to make efforts to get agitating parties on board, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Congress task force to suggest fewer provinces, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [The less provinces exist, the better can the domination of the male Tagadharis continue in the future federal states as well!!], Contempt case against Kantipur Publications (ht), Court contempt case against Kantipur daily (kp), The great card myth: When the nation has no direction, leaders use nationalism to hide their shortcomings, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (kp), Wheeler dealers: Behind Karki's appointment, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

13/05/2013: Parties scrambling for key Nefin positions, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Five vie for top NEFIN post (nn), Idle HLPC’s calibre now in question (kp), Today's HLPC meet to dwell on threshold, election date (nn), Poll ordinances: Parties have four days to decide: Govt (ht), Govt ‘plans’ to send poll ordinance to President (kp), Karki appt fallout: Prez political advisor tenders resignation, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), PIL against Karki appointment (kp), People’s movement only option: CPN-M (ht), Bandh hits life in Tarai: Sadbhavana warns of hunger strike in all districts (ht), TMDP for two federal provinces in Tarai (ht), If RAW is blackmailing the Maoists, all Nepali political forces should rescue them, interview with Shankar Pokharel, CPN-UML (kp), Uprising ahead: Delay tactics to put off the CA poll will backfire and lead to more aggressive movements, by Dipendra Jha (kp)

12/05/2013: Janajatis determined to secure ethnic federalism, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), CPN-UML picks nationalism as party’s election agenda: ‘Foreign forces’ behind Karki’s appointment as CIAA chief: Khanal (kp), Poll date within a few days: Poudel (kp), ‘Karki appt blot in history’ (kp), Parties debate ‘agreed’ threshold system (ht), CPN-UML says firm on one pc threshold: Demands that court convicts must be barred from election (ht), Debate on constituencies heats up: Madhesi leaders,social scientists point out risk of clash of interests (ht), Unions revoke shutdown call (kp), Unexplained suspicions: Mystical politics and rumour-savvy political bravado characterise Nepali politics, by Abhi Subedi (kp)

11/05/2013: SC allows PIL against Karki appointment, by Pranab Kharel (kp), SC annuls rejection order on Karki appointment writ (ht), Warring parties seek Nov election date (kp), Poll date‚ ordinance likely in a week (ht), Civil society members protest at MJF-L office (kp), CPN-UML to pitch for directly-elected PM (ht), Gachhadar bats for identity-based federalism (ht)

10/05/2013: Govt tries to end poll feud in all-party meeting today, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Multiple identity-based federalism, says Khanal, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-Maoist urges Prez to resign (kp), NBA skips Regmi-attended event (kp), Lawyers shun Law Day event protesting presence of election govt chief (nn), SC orders registrar to accept writ against Lokman's appointment (nn), Federal Socialist Party to be registered at EC, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Govt discusses poll issues with parties, 33-party alliance boycotts meet (nn), Victims against amnesty (ht), System failure in Nepal: First, Khil Raj Regmi was made head-of-government. Now ‘Operation Overwhelming Force’ has succeeded in appointing a corruption-accused royalist to head the anti-graft body, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Role Of Election In Consolidation Of Democracy, by Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang (rn), The Minority Report: Social harmony improved in Madhesh/Tarai (rep), On life support: Our obsession with the see-saw of day-to-day politics means we have lost sight of the big picture and are actively repeating old mistakes, by Trishna Rana (rep), Regular Coincidence: The recent political controversy is nothing more than a regular coincidence in Nepali politics known for controversies and political upheavals as its basic characteristics, by Keshab Poudel (sp), What Democracy is not all about? Exit of the Monarchy in 2008 May gave birth to a dangerous euphoria—a sort of cacophony—in favor of democracy in Nepal, by Yubaraj Ghimire (sp), Federalism Based On Identity Necessary, by Sanjaya Serchan (sp), No Meaning Of Such Poll, interview with Mohan Baidya (sp), "Nepal has achieved a lot in the peace process", interview with Asko Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal (sp)

09/05/2013: Breaking down: Karki’s appointment and parties’ unprincipled compromise is bad news for democracy (kp), Black day; Karki's appointment (rep), Amid oversight concerns, Karki assumes office; 2-member CIAA board dangerous: Experts (kp), Heads of constitutional bodies assume office: CIAA chief vows to effect a change within fortnight (ht), From where will Karki begin? The head of anti-graft body has challenges galore with pending cases abound, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Prez, party offices in blame game of sorts, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), FB,Twitter abuzz with Karki appt stricture, by Samik Kharel (kp), Civil society leaders picket Congress office (kp), NC leadership keeps mum (kp), UML meeting terms decision unlawful (kp), Karki's appointment as CIAA chief has UML fuming at prez (ht), Agitating student unions call off today’s strike programme (kp), Move comes under lawyers’ body lash (kp), Bandh rescheduled for May 12 (ht), UCPN (M), NC sharply divided over proportional seat number, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Sadbhavana puts forth 10-point demand: Asks govt to announce poll date immediately (ht), Foot-dragging is their agenda: The political parties are in no hurry to hold polls because they are scared of losing, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Balancing act: The forthcoming elections will determine Prachanda’s position in Nepali politics, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp), Second CA election: The only way out, by Ratindra Khatri (ht), Hasty poll date notice could invite problems, interview with Chief Election Commissioner Nilkantha Uprety (rep), Lokman scandal and ambassadorial appointment, by Gopal Thapa (nn)

08/05/2013: Karki appt should not spoil poll process: Prez; Honouring public sentiment, Lokman must give up aim: Koirala, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), NC, UML want Karki decision reviewed: In a meeting with Regmi, UCPN (Maoist) and SLMM remain adamant (kp) [The top leaders of Nepal's four self-claimed overlord parties have taken the decision together! Why do some of them change their mind only two says later? Karki should have never been nominated! This is only another proof of the leader's incompetence!!], Constitutional posts: Regmi urges prez to okay proposal; Tells Congress, UML leaders no provision to revoke Karki's name (ht), Civil society representatives picket UCPN (M) office (kp), Protest against Karki nomination continues (kp), President office snubs students’ requests (kp), Chakkajam enforced against CC decision (ht), Application in SC against court administration order (kp), Donors fret about Lokman saga (kp), Lokman sworn in as CIAA chief as protests continue (nn), UML rebuffs Lokman's appointment; 33 parties announce protest (nn), Madhes forces ‘under pressure’ to unite, by Pranab Kharel (kp), More parties may run for next assembly elections (kp), 23 proposals of erstwhile govt returned to ministries (kp), FLSC calls off bandh in east, locals relieved (ht), Fear of failure? (ht), Multinational realities: Forging a nation-state means finding common ground, by Kamal Raj Sigdel (kp), Duplicity redefined: For decades, Nepal’s politicians have fooled the public with promises of economic change and development, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Embrace the new: Political symbols, by Prawash Gautam (rep), Mutually inclusive: Social exclusion and food insecurity, by Khyam Bishwokarma (rep)

07/05/2013: Civil society up against tainted Karki (kp), Protests rage against Karki nomination (kp), Regressive politics: We oppose Karki’s appointment, for it marks a return to politics the country left behind in 2006 (kp), Students protest Karki's CIAA nomination (ht), Student unions announce Valley bandh (ht), Prez urged to reconsider proposal on Karki (ht), President ‘will gauge’ public, political opinion (kp), Parties divided on Karki pick (kp), Fear the ghost; Karki as the head of CIAA (rep), Apex court turns away petitioner, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Writ challenges SC registrar's decision to reject case against Lokman's appointment (nn), Eastern banda shows no sign of ebbing (kp), Limbuwan bandh cripples life in east (ht), Limbuwan State Council postpones general strike in East (nn), Still keeping faith with faith healing: According to police data altogether 116 women have been tortures in the name of witchcraft in the last four years, by Ankit Adhikari (kp), Reality and perception: The entire electoral process and overall democracy is jeopardised by the fact that Khil Raj Regmi heads both the executive and the judiciary, by H.S. Tuckfield (kp), Democratic representation: Sizing-up the CA, by Sukhdev Shah (rep)

06/05/2013: Despite hue ‘n’ cry, Karki nominated CIAA chief, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Constitutional Council endorses Karki as anti-graft body chief: Yami to be PSC head, Acharya Auditor General (ht), by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Tense meeting, Karki’s name, ‘unanimous’ call, by Anil Giri (kp), Unconstitutional: Legal eagles (kp) [Most steps taken by the leading politicians are unconstitutional! This already started with their intervention into the tasks and legitimate rights of the CA!!], Prez call after talks with experts (kp), Prez starts consultation over Lokman's appointment; UML asks him not to approve CC decision (nn), Civil society urges Prez not to okay Karki appointment (kp), Apex court refuses to register writ against Karki's appointment (nn) [Nepal, a state without separation of powers!!], Following orders: Lokman Singh Karki has proven himself as someone who can easily take extralegal steps to fulfill the interests of his ‘masters’, by Jagnannath Adhikari (kp), President should not endorse Karki as CIAA chief, interview with Krishna Jung Rayamajhi (kp), Leadership row may mar Nefin meet (kp) [Don't let party politics get control of NEFIN! This will mean the end of this organization!!], Limbuwan banda hits life in eastern districts (kp), Vandals have field day during Limbuwan bandh (ht), General strike in East enters third day (nn), She wants her missing son back, dead or alive, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp), Leveraging dollars: Advocates of a ‘tough’ TRC should not forget the aim: truth and reconciliation (kp), Right to self-determination: Confusion and reality, by Namrata Dhungana (ht), Mind the gap: Citizenship through mothers, by Avima Upreti (rep), Mother's citizenship still not being accepted (ht)

05/05/2013: Rift appears in CC as Karki prospects high: Parties’ help sought not to makehim CIAA chief, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CIAA chief appointment: Changed UML stance on Karki irks UCPN-Maoist (ht), Civil society group stages dharna against plan to appoint Karki as CIAA chief (nn), Constitutional council names Karki CIAA chief (nn), Donors against funding: TRC under existing law, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), UCPN (M) on mission to boost Madhes base, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Leaders hear warning bells (kp), CPN-M not to sit for talks (ht), Lack of understanding behind CA’s failure: Nepal (ht) [Disreagard of the interim constitution and the exclusive legitimate rights of the CA by the party leaders have been the real reasons!!!], Limbuwan bandh cripples life in easteran region (ht), General strike in East enters second day; Police detain 27 (nn), Hammer provision: Way out of constitutional crisis, by Pranaya SJB Rana and Brian Polkinghorna (rep)

04/05/2013: Deadline looms; 2 dozen arms missing: The sophisticated weapons, including AK 47s and SLRs, were used for Maoist leaders’ security, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), SC: Not against court access to journalists (kp) [The separation of powers has ended!!], Parties back journos miffed at SC (kp), NC CWC members want Karki support withdrawn, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), 228 anti-media incidents in past one year (ht 04/05/2013), Still in chains: Kamalaris across Nepal (rep)

03/05/2013: Apex court denies journos access to courtroom (kp), Courtrooms remain shut for journalists (ht), Major parties moot retaining jumbo size CA to woo agitators, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), 9 fringe parties’ alliance gets govt pledge (kp), Govt, FDF-N hold talks, fail to make headway (ht), 33 parties demonstrate in front of EC (nn), Plans afoot to keep Baidya, Yadav out of polls: Shekhar (kp), UCPN-M may tweak its policy on ethnicity-based federalism, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Privilege and belonging: A one-identity, multi-ethnic model of federalism challenges the unitary identity of the Nepali state, by Ang Sanu Lama (kp), Misinformed, misunderstood: Nepal’s federalism debate is unnecessarily trivialised with extreme arguments, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Safe to speak: The task is to secure freedom of expression in all media, by Axel Plathe (kp), Muddling through: For Nepal to move ahead institutions must replace individuals as the focus of political practice, by George Varughese (nt)

02/05/2013: FSP-N hints at poll participation: Demands annulment of 11-point and 25-point agreements signed by four parties, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), Party expansion ‘on a war footing’, by Rosahn Sedhai (kp), Sanghiya Samajbadi Party puts forth six demands to the govt (ht), Huge turnout for voter registration, by Madhav Aryal (kp), MJF-Nepal to take part in polls: Yadav calls for consensus before election (ht), No headway in constitutional appointments despite pledge (ht), Mother of all elections: Unlike in the past, the very structures of state power are at stake in the upcoming CA polls, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Clearing the air: Bureaucracy and elections, by Mukesh Khanal (rep)

01/05/2013: 11 parties apply at EC for renewal, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties still split over Karki appointment, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), 33 parties warn not to appoint Karki: Say they won’t register with Election Commission (kp), Back in black: Karki's appointment in CIAA (rep), UK stresses inclusion in vote (kp), CPN-UML, UCPN-Maoist make a fuss over who reached EC first (ht) [?????], What’s the diff? The dividing lines between parties have been blurred by their common greed for power, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), NHRC blames parties for impunity (ht)

30/04/2013: HLPC should ensure Nov election: Prez; President Yadav dissatisfied at delay in creating legal and political atmosphere for the polls, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Election laws to be enacted ‘soon’ (kp), EC begins registration of political parties (nn), Major parties prepare for registration at EC (kp), Only halfway to reconstruction target, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Ravaged buildings nowhere near completion, by Janak Nepal (kp), All the single ladies: The time is ripe to mobilise single women for peacebuilding, by Lily Thapa (kp), They call the shots: There are oligarchies everywhere in Nepal, from gas dealers to bus lines, by Sujeev Shakya (kp)

29/04/2013: Ex-fighters ‘also eligible’ for UN missions, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), NA to rank 71 ex-PLA fighters as officers (ht), ‘Define violence against women in statute’ (kp), Women activists to protest VAW (ht), Woman denied citizenship certificate (ht), Sapkota rants against govt (ht), Election date within 10 days: Chief Election Commissioner (nn), EC to ensure voting rights to voters aged 18 and above (rep) [Also to those millionas of young people who are working abroad??], No date in haste: Creating poll environment (rep), Something’s wrong somewhere: It is Nepal’s misfortune that the leaders do not measure up to the people’s expectations, by Daman Bahadur Ghale (kp), Status-quoists are winning in the parties and civil society, interview with Devendra Raj Panday (kp), Cautionary tale: Preparing for polls, by Mahabir Paudyal (ht), Delhi-based rights group urges Indian PM to ask Dahal to ensure accountability for past abuses (nn)

28/04/2013: Govt likely to keep serious crime convicts out of election race (kp), NC says it has five poll agendas (ht) [These are slogans, not agendas! You must fill them with contents and meanings!!], NC warns parties against poll deal (ht) [??], Mahato hints at electoral alliance with like-minded political parties (ht), Alliance forging: Easier said than done: Madhesi parties will lose out if they don't come together for poll, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Know well, vote well: It is time to subject the political parties to rigorous scrutiny and demand some answers, by Mukti Rijal (kp), Ex-PLA to be named Nepali Army Col after three months (nn), Limbuwan front bandh in East enters day two (nn), Panchthar, Ilam banda called off, by Bhim Chapagain (rep)

27/04/2013: Will begin party registration: EC, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Govt, EC agree to elect 601-strong CA: Proportinal representation threshold to be 0.5-0.6pc for a party to acquire seat (ht), Four forces divided again, by Prakash Acharya (ht), SC scraps plan to pay disqualified PLA fighters (kp), SC scraps golden handshake to disqualified fighters (ht), Bar chief calls for Regmi's resignation (ht), ‘Plan afoot to have fake voter roll’ (kp), CPN-Maoist CC firm on foiling voters' registration process, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Efforts not enough: Indigenous groups (kp), United Nations against amnesty for war crimes (ht), Disregarded dress: Daura Suruwal, by Naresh Koirala (rep) [Everybody should be free to ware the dress of her/his choice, expecially in a multiethnic and multicultural state like Nepal! Against the background of Nepal's history, the Janajatis may condemn Daura Suruwal as imperialist as well!!], Banda blues, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep)

26/04/2013: Invitation to stalemate: Five outstanding reasons why polls should not be held in the status quo, by Chiranjibi Kafle (kp) [!!!!!], Some Madhes leaders now mull new bloc, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Federal expression: Indications are that elections (when, and if, they ever happen) will essentially be a referendum on single-ethnic federal provinces (nt), Dahal for ties with Madhesis, Janajatis (kp) [Ties are not enough! Make the Bahun dominated parties inclusive on all levels!!], Maoist chief makes U-turn over his UML remarks (ht), 33 pc women in CA unlikely if other ways not mulled, by Anjali Subedi (rep), Women bodies demand 33 pc share in CA, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Rights activists urge EC to address women's concerns (rep), Women in media: ‘Few employed, few quoted’ (kp), Electrifying revelations: Chief Secretary Poudel throws light on energy, corruption and our collective future, by Saroj Dhakal (kp), Telling each other’s stories: Nepalis on both sides of the conflict step into each other’s shoes in a unique reconciliation effort, by Frances Klatzel (nt), Politics, but for what, by Prashaant Singh (rep), Arms and the men: With the peace process officially over, Nepal’s security forces need to downsize and rethink their roles, by Trishna Rana (nt), What’s left of the left: What vision can Nepal’s communists offer society at a time of internal turmoil?, by Anurag Acharya (nt), SC quashes decision to dish out cash to disqualified combatants (nn), Peace in Part: Integration and Rehabilitation of the Maoist Army Combatants, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (sp), Old CA in New Bottle: The closing of eyes towards real substance and making merry with illusory forms is not limited to parties only, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), No One’s Agenda: Although a month has already passed since the formation of the election government, it is yet to make any concrete move (sp)

25/04/2013: ‘Poll date after deal with fringe parties’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [??], CPN-M leaders hell bent on foiling election plans (kp), CA polls won’t resolve crisis: Baidhya (ht), CPN-M divided over poll boycott plan (nn), Loktantra today: Inclusion and nature of the state dominated post-2006 debates (kp) [There have been only debates by the already included, no positive moves towards the not included ones!!], 7th Loktantra Day: An important day in history, but all forgotten (kp), Documentary on PLA integration (kp), New Nefin chief likely through political deal (kp), Coup allegation against President bombshell or just a damp squib? Did Bhattarai meanit or was it a stunt,wonderanalysts, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Lonely at the top: The president should give up his wishy-washy style, be assertive and take decisive action, by Narayan Manandhar (kp) [Don't forget he is only a representative figure!], Civil servants point at politicians’ nexus with businessmen: Blame, albeit obliquely, political leaders for syndicate in public service sectors, by Prakash Acharya (ht), HLPC won't become legitimate if we join, interview with Sharad Singh Bhandari (rep)

24/04/2013: Women CA inclusion may fall (kp), Assurance from political parties sought (ht), NC Janajati, FSP-N leaders ‘talking business’, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), NMKP for holding parliament polls (kp), Limbuwan Council to thwart EC’s poll drive (ht), Obstacles ahead: Complications in various political issues, along with dissent by parties, continue to impede plans for elections, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Loktantra Diwas being celebrated today; VP, IEC chair extend best wishes (nn) [Better call it Daltantra!!], Civil society movement seeks decisive role in political scene, by Arjun Poudel (rep), Rolpa martyrs’ families yet to realise loktantra, by Khem Bahadur Budha (ht), 'Free & Fair': Media & CA-II, by Dharma Adhikari (kp)

23/04/2013: UN body moved against ‘illegal’ detention (kp), Watchdog moves UN rights committee against Maoist leader's illegal detention (nn), ANNISU-R prez reports disappearance, torture (ht), Still citizens: Leaving the country should not disenfranchise migrants (kp), CPN-UML nowhere to be found now, says Dahal, by Kamal Panthi (kp), Dahal says UML finished as party (ht), Hold talks with govt: Prez to fringe parties (ht), India has no stance on federal model: Indian foreign secy, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Misplaced advocacy: What’s the use of advocacy if you cannot effectively use the available policy space for change?, by Hemant R. Ojha (kp), Get to the point: The NC should clarify its position on federalism and secularism, or it will be history, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp)

22/04/2013: FDF wants Regmito resign as CJ or Cabinet chairman (kp), Citizenship-voter roll drive resumes: Citizenship distribution begins in six districts; 305 mobile teams fan across country, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Nepali expats to miss voting rights: EC Thakur, by Ravi Dahal (ht), Parties’ nod to NPC, AG office appointments (kp), Poll date by April-end (kp), EC for elections in November second week, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Congress, UML mull over alliance for CA elections (kp), UCPN (Maoist) pitches for more proportional representation seats (kp), Danger zone: Federalism and Nepal (rep) [Federalism is the only option for inclusion and decentralization! The danger comes from the unitarian state dominated by male Bahun politicians!!], Agitating parties putforth 13 demands (ht), Baidya reiterates dislike to talks (kp), A pro-people constitution will not be written through the CA, interview with Mohan Baidya (kp), Electronic voting: No need to make haste, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Rekindled hopes, by Prem Thapa (rep)

21/04/2013: CA member Act must meet int’l standards: Prez, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [Revive the parliament and stop this authoritarian and anti-constitutional procedure!!], Prez to hold talks with fringe parties (ht), CPN-M-led alliance to foil voter roll update plans (kp), 33 parties against election process (ht), Citizenship delivery, voter update to continue (kp), CJ-led govt illegal, says FSP secy (kp), ‘Govt trying to run away from its duty’ (kp), Sapkota says interim election council has no mandate to rule (ht), Anti-federalist forces hell-bent on sabotaging CA polls, says Thakur (ht), At the crossroads: The NC must take steps to correct its lack of vision, inaction, indiscipline, factionalism and cronyism, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), Dark deals: Instead of being punished, human rights violators are given political and constitutional power, by Anubha Adhikari (kp), State of statelessness: Lack citizenships may deprive a large number of people of their voting rights, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Potion to cure: Potion to cure, by Murari Sharma (rep)

20/04/2013: Prez made four coup attempts, claims ex-PM Bhattarai, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Bhattarai says President attempted coup 4 times: Charges Prez Yadav with delaying the polls to prolong his tenure, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-UML, Madhesi parties at odds over PR quota rules, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), TRC controversy deepens further (ht), China's concern with federalism is disintegration risk, interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (rep), Cabinet returns new diplomatic code, other policy proposals, by Anil Giri (kp), In 2nd CA polls, Madhes to be the apple of every party’s eye, by Pranab Kharel (kp)

19/04/2013: Cabinet to implement citizenship directive (kp), Citizenship directives okayed: Distribution teams to be deployed at the earliest (ht), Regmi to SC: Interim govt a compulsion, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [??? A Chief Justice should know better! You behave as stupid as the top party leaders!!], Baidya rejects talks (kp), Bhattarai claims he foiled four coup attempts by President (nn), The bungling bunch: Nepali politicians look like they are trying hard to make a laughing stock of themselves, by Shyam K.C. (kp), ‘Include ECD in constitution’ (ht), Women’s proportional representation sought (ht), How we should vote: Twelve questions, by Anil Shah (ht)

18/04/2013: NC Janajati leadersnow talk tough on federalism issues: Some say they will leave party if it fails to come up with a clear stance on federalism (kp), One pc threshold proviso could be scrapped (ht), No big changes in constituency numbers, say analysts, by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), Promulgate electoral act without delay: EC (kp), NC leaders’ plea to Regmi (kp), Time bound: The government, with help of parties, needs to reach out to smaller groups (kp), No alliance with UML, Maoists, or Madhesis, interview with Sher Bahadur Deuba (rep), UML for election alliance with democratic forces (ht) [Where are such forces??], Citizenship certificate distribution drive from Sunday (nn), ‘Constitutional moment’ is basis for constitution: German legal expert (nn) [??], Black power and us: The hunger for identity is unquenchable because the oppressed often don’t have any other source of power, by Pramod Mishra (kp), In the shadow of Jimmy Carter: Members of the international community in Nepal ought to talk to people of different hues to understand the country’s complexities, by Bipin Shah (kp)

17/04/2013: SC wants constituencies delineated, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Set Constituency Delimitation Commission: SC; Rejects petitioner JP Gupta’s demand that the apex court put a stop to the election process, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Govt asked to explain EC re-appointments (kp), Prez in bid to bring Baidya party in poll process: Will go to CA elections if agreements to form the incumbent govt and amend constitution scrapped, says Bhusal, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Gajurel rules out prospect of talks with govt in status quo (rep), UML demands polls in November 2nd week, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), UML U-turn on Karki can put poll process off track (ht), NC leaders urge govt to create enabling environment for polls; hold talks with agitating parties (nn), NC Janajati leaders strike a discordant note, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Announcing date won't ensure election: Rai (ek), Two-day banda hits normal life in five western Tarai districts, by Durga Lal KC (kp), Western Terai banda continues, by Devendra Basnet (rep), Mid and far west districts paralysed by second day of bandh (nn), Ex-DPM wants Regmi govt to take up key nat’l issues (kp), Bhattarai tweet lets out CA demise ‘secrets’ (kp), Compromise or face legal action, Baidhya told (ht), 'Carter has no right to suggest on Nepal's internal affairs' (ek) [Everybody has the duty to criticize crimes!! You should face legal action because you order to mishandle individuals and to destroy public property!], Collapsing centrists: Thapa and Baidya represent the past and future of Nepal; sadly, the present is missing, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Building peace, by Shambhu Ram Simkhada (rep) [See part 2 (21/04/2013)]

16/04/2013: The show goes on: Ministers are busy as ever lighting lamps, speaking at launches and meeting delegations, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), MJF-D leader calls for update of voters’ list (ht), Tharu organisations declare two-day bandh (ht), Five districts in mid and far-west affected by two-day bandh over alleged murder of kamlari (nn)

15/04/2013: 4 parties ‘agree’ to hold polls in Nov, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), ‘Talks on to bring Baidya to HLPM’ (kp), Dashed hopes: The year 2069 pushed the country towards instability and uncertainty (kp), Politics of litigation: Nepal is a unique example where the achievements of revolutions are diluted through the Supreme Court, by Dipendra Jha (kp) [The problem is not the Supreme Court but the failed politicians!!!], All Adivasis are Janajatis but not all ethnicities are Janajatis, interview with Surya Man Gurung, Nepali Congress (kp), UN-backed citizenship report bid to misguide: Undermines extent of problem in Tarai by glossing over numbers (ht)

14/04/2013: A year of difficult political transition, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Prez, Regmi seek support for polls (kp), Nefin divided over new leadership, by Roshan Sedhai (kp), NEFIN for reinstatement of Constituent Assembly (ht), NEFIN nat'l convention to push for CA revival, by Gani Ansari (rep), Victims object to reports on spl panel closure (kp), The way forward: CA elections, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep)

13/04/2013: PLA integration process concludes: Special panel formed to supervise, integrate and rehabilitate combatants calls it a day, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Peace process ends, Special Committee dissolved, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), HLPC for holding polls in November (ht), NP sets up central police election cell (ht), EU seeks observer role during polls (ht), Double standards: Nepal and int'l community, by Prakash A Raj (rep) [??]

12/04/2013: Two election-related ordinances promulgated (kp), Cong wraps up jamboree, but differences stay on, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Bechu Gaud (kp), German MPs ask Nepal to address rights issues (kp), German delegation raises TRC concern (ht), Govt studying poll ordinance too hard: Yet to forward it to prez even though it received it from EC 10 days ago, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), “We don’t need international approval for everything”, interview with Pushpa Kamal Dahal (nt), The NC’s 12-year itch: The frustration of being out of power and angst of defeat in the last CA have seeped into Nepal’s grand old party, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Resilience and cynicism: The dogged spirits of survival, generosity, empathy and good cheer will hopefully lead Nepal into better times in the New Year, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Ethnicity and democratic stability: Institutional design can foster either democratic stability or instability, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), You can’t eat elections: People have no time for polls in the mountains of north-western Nepal, they are too busy trying to stay alive, by Dambar K. Shrestha (nt)

11/04/2013: Call to do away with 4-party mechanism (kp), Fringe parties welcome: Dahal, by Prakash Baral (kp), MJF-N calls for review of presidential decree (ht 11/04/2013), Nepali Congress Mahasamiti: Accord on govt model, discord on federalism, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Narayan Sharma (kp), Nefin slams Poudel definition of Janajatis (kp), Zero in on single federal model: Cong members; Leadership told to adopt Westminster type of parliamentary system, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Delay in polls to have serious consequences, says civil society (ht), Prolonged political transition: Darker and brighter sides, by Mukti Rijal (ht), More than quotas: More than quotas, by Barsha Paudel (rep)

10/04/2013: Govt sends poll bills to President, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Rs 404 billion ‘full budget’ focuses on polls: For the first time, fiscal plan comes in 9th month of FY; Rs 6b, Rs 8b earmarked for elections, security, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Ashok Thapa (kp), Country finally gets Rs 404 billion full budget: Rs 14 billion set aside for polls: Rs 6 billion for election process, Rs 8 billion for poll security, by Kuvera Chalise (ht), Nepali Congress Mahasamiti: CJ govt decision a mistake, say members, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Narayan Sharma (kp), Now, Dahal talks October elections, by Ishwari Neupane and Prakash Baral (kp), Eyes on target: The rift between the UCPN (Maoist) and the govt is worrying (kp), EC discusses poll matters with European envoys (kp), Clear poll hurdles first, UML tells govt (kp), Leaders differ on poll date as they share podium with chairman Regmi (nn), More protests in the offing, warns Gajurel (ht), Free and fearless: If the government, EC and political parties are serious about holding elections, they must immediately address security concerns, by Geja Sharma Wagle (kp), The great regression: Today’s political arrangement is closest to the 6-Pradhan system of Patan before it was taken over by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768 AD, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (kp), Grassroots democracy: Need of the hour, by Surendra Raj Devkota (ht)

09/04/2013: Govt-UCPN (M) rift widens: Maoists miffed at government’s ‘failure’ to set election date, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Regmi hints at November polls (kp), Govt not to announce poll date in haste: Regmi (kp), Govt to announce 'election oriented' budget today (nn), FSP won't boycott polls: Rai (nn), Federalism: NC eyes clear-cut agenda; doesn’t know what that is (kp) [You are going to fail as long as you don't respect ethnic and regional demands and identities! Nepal is not a Tagadhari state!!], Organized crime ordinance: SC stays implementation of provisions (ht), Alliance against amnesty: With the Supreme Court’s decision on the Ordinance to establish a truth commission, the victim’s community has secured a victory, by Ram Kumar Bhandari (kp), Hear us too: Polls and small parties, by Ajit Rai (rep)

08/04/2013: Regmi hints at November polls; says date won't be announced in haste (nn), General strike affects life, examinees hit the most (kp), General strike cripples life inside Valley (ht), Bandh brings normal life to a standstill (ht), Bandhs deny people fundamental rights: Strikes curtail freedom to work, movement, bleeding economy white, by Kuvera Chalise (ht), Chepangs to cast conditional votes, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), We are the state: Things are messed up because the big four parties alienated the others by their arrogance, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Will UCPN-M gain at cost of Madhesi parties?, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Maoists are talking up their electoral alliance with Madhes, interview with Sarvendra Nath Shukla, general secretary of the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (kp), The leadership vacuum, by C.K. Lal (rep)

07/04/2013: UCPN-Maoist to foil Nov CA polls: Dahal warns parties against sabotaging elections in July (ht) No talks with govt, 4parties: CPN-Maoist (kp), Agitating parties urged to withdraw bandh (ht), Bandh cripples life across country (nn), Limbuwan cadres fleece truck drivers (ht), ‘Conflict victim’ mum seeks justice, by Kashiram Dangi (kp), Govt to bring budget of more than Rs 400b (kp), Show us the money: Government's utilization of tax, by Angel Sharma (rep)

06/04/2013: Vote plans have been marred, say EC officials, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Leaders with pending cases ‘can’ contest election, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Spl panel shutdown ‘near’ (kp), Danish minister calls for ‘democratic polls’ (kp) [This, exactly, is not possible on the current way!!], ‘Only interim council can declare polls’ (ht) [??], Regmi against declaringelection date in haste (ht), Elderly couple, whose son was killed, seek justice: Accuse Maoists of his murder during insurgency; Chief District Officer says case already withdrawn (ht)

05/04/2013: 33 parties firm against election law provisions, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Parties divided on vote threshold for PR seat (ht), Regmi says govt ready to amend election law to address concern of smaller parties (nn), Big 4 to press fuming parties to go to polls (kp), Baidya's party shuns talks offer (nn), Deadline set for CPN-M to return weapons (ht), President’s Office defends invocation of Article 158 (ht), Nepal’s youth bulge: Young voters have strength in numbers and can influence politics by electing accountable leaders, by Trishna Rana (nt), The case of the missing voters: If polls are to be credible, there must be proper registration of the voting-age population, by Tej Adhikari (kp), Easier said than done: June is impossible and if things go on like this polls in November may also be a mirage, by Anurag Acharya (nt)

04/04/2013: Regmi tries to allay parties’ poll law fears (kp), Baidya cadres seize Regmi land, by Kamal Panthi (kp), Baidya party told to hand over arms (kp), EU wants poll-opposing parties on election track (kp) [Elections are necessary but they mean nothing unless the so-called leaders are prevented to continue their endless unconstitutional games of power and intervention!!], Dahal backs fringe parties on vote threshold for seat, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), NC cautiously assured of elections by Nov, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ht), Parties differ on proposed election law; top leaders skip interaction with govt (nn), Thinking the unthinkable: If, heaven forbid, polls can’t be held even by November, this country is in deep trouble, by Narayan Manandhar (kp) [Polls can't be held as long as the party leaders stick to the unconstitutional way and disregard the rule of law!!], Wheat and chaff: There are lessons in both the failure of Western nation-states to address cultural diversity and the failure of 15 years of ethnic politics in Bihar, by Pramod Mishra (kp),  Threshold of representation Against inclusive spirit of CA, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Quid pro quo: Citizens' rights versus responsibilities, by Ganesh Bhattarai (rep), Over 70,000 more cops needed for polls, interview with Kuber Singh Rana (rep)

03/04/2013: EC readies ‘conditional work plan’ on holding June polls: Commissioner says they will soon express inability to hold June elections (kp), EC mulling over Nov poll date, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Constituency delimitation body sought (kp), NC Mahasamiti: Regmi resignation as CJ, party power sharing to dominate meet, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), All together now: NC’s Mahasamiti must come up with clear positions on federalism and governance (kp), Rs 8b sought for polls (kp), Joke’s on us: While innocent citizens are denied access to state mechanisms and justice, perpetrators are most secure near state and political machinery, by Bidushi Dhungel (kp), Carter's burden: Carter Center's responsibilities, by Prakash A. Raj (rep), Oligarchs and elections, by Murari Sharma and Bhagirath Basnet (rep)

02/04/2013: CA polls likely in Nov, says Carter: Former US prez says police should stop CPN-M cadres if they disrupt elections, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), EC forwards three ordinances to govt (ht), EC suspends voter roll update drive in VDCs (kp), Election process halted after 53 parties’ plea (ht), EC halts voters’ registration process (ht), Supreme Court stays TRC ordinance move, by Pranab Kharel (kp), SC stays formation of TRC (ht), NHRC raisesTRC alarm (kp)

01/04/2013: PR seat threshold riles fringe parties, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Fringe parties riled by EC’s proposal that parties need to secure 1.5 pc votes to get seats under PR system (nn), 33 disgruntled parties submit memo to EC (nn), CPN-M threatens to disrupt polls (kp), CPN-Maoist cadres kidnap EC staff (ht), Govt officials captured for collecting voters' lists in Nuwakot released after 5 hrs (nn), NC tells Carter: Center erred in endorsing 2008 CA election (kp) [NC is still erring over its failures and responsibilities in the pre-2008 years! Because of this, the NC remains unchanged and is in no better position than in 2008!!], Finger-pointing begins over poll deferral plan, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Divided house: Parties should stand firm for elections to negotiate from position of strength (kp), Date conundrum (ht), PMO blocks foreign aid to gender-based violence unit, by Anil Giri (kp) [!!!??], Tarai armed outfit: surrenders more arms in Birgunj (ht), SC orders to deal separate petitions on government’s status together (nn), Sujata demands Regmi’s resignation (ht), One thing at a time: Cabinet Chairman Regmi should resign as chief justice to avoid conflict of interest, by Suhas Chakma (kp), The Madhes has now become the centre of revolution, interview with Bishwanath Sah, UCPN-M (kp), Limbuwan Mukti Morcha warns of armed struggle (ht), Limbuwan outfit withdraws bandh in eastern region (nn), In the shadow: Local level elections (rep)

31/03/2013: June elections ‘near impossible’: Definite date only after voter registration, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Suspended animation: Suspense over the CA elections (rep), Parties press EC to set poll date pronto: CEC Uprety says ball in parties’ court, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Prez asks Big 4 to reach out to smaller parties (kp), Prez tells four forces: Engage agitating parties (ht), Voters' registration: Police personnel chase CPN-Maoist activists away (ht), Govt officials collecting voters' lists abducted in Nuwakot (nn), Opposing parties differ on talks, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Baidya rejects talks offer (nn), Elections under Regmi a no no, says Baidya (kp), CPN-M rejects talks offer: Baidhya says dialogue not possible until ‘unconstitutional’ govt quits (ht), First form a govt of political parties, interview with Mohan Baidya (rep), Regmi says govt is constitutional (ht) [Strange views of a chief justice!!], Dahal for polls in mid-October: Says NC, UML ‘reluctant’for June date (kp), Carter calls on Regmi: Discuss upcoming elections (ht), Carter seeks int’l standard TRC, wants victims’ concerns addressed, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Tarai armed outfit hands over weapons (kp), Limits of truth-telling: Existing political actors are too thick-skinned and inept to deal with the challenges we are facing, by Anil Bhattarai (kp), Calm down, comrades: The CPN-Maoist cannot win public support with its hard-line ways and senseless threats, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp), Ethics of memory: Wounds of Maoist insurgency, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

30/03/2013: Talks team in; poll-opposing parties say they won’t budge (kp), Voters’ registration obstructed even in Valley (ht), Poll date after EC work disruption ends: Regmi, by Prakash Acharya (ht) [This is not the way to impress opponents of polls!!], Prez expresses concern over delay in announcing poll date (nn), HLPC asks govt to set election date (nn), Fear could put folk far from franchise: Locals unwilling to go to get themselves registered due to threats, by Kumar Luintel (ht), Chand warns of armed struggle (ht), EC meeting political parties tomorrow: Wants feedback from stakeholders in relation to amending election laws (ht), Ex-US president Carter arrives on poll mission: Visit meant to encourage political forces to get ready for early CA elections (kp), Ex-US Prez, Chairman Regmi discuss elections (nn), A divisive language: The emphasis on Nepali as the official language has put the many communities around the country with divergent mother tongues at an instant disadvantage when it comes to opportunities and treatment, by Prawesh Gautam (kp), Prisoners of banda: Countering Nepal Bandas, by Suraj Narayan Singh Thapa (rep)

29/03/2013: Maybe not June: All indications are that the Election Commission and the political apparatus will not be able to get their act together for polls in three months (nt), EC seeks clarity on 11-point deal, prez decree: Giving finishing touches to draft amendments to laws related to Constituent Assembly election (ht), Poll date only after voter roll update guarantee: EC; CEC says smaller parties’ opposition will affect entire poll process, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Voter registration campaign thrives in Dolakha villages, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp), CPN-M obstructing voter registration: Election Commission officials harassed in several districts across country (ht), Ensure diaspora voting rights: YAN (kp), Students, youth seek free, fair elections: Bring down eligible voting age by two years: UML wing (ht), APF chief briefs govt about poll security arrangements (ht), Regmi-led govt will be ousted: SDP (ht), Govt forms panel for talks with disgruntled parties (nn), Wake-up call (ht), Advantage, right: Interview with Kamal Thapa, chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) and his rising popularity on the polls, by Kunda Dixit (nt), ‘UCPN (Maoist) ready to trade Bandarmudhe aid for votes’, by Binod Tripathi (kp) [???], An ordinance to defy: As proposed, the commission for truth and reconciliation, and disappearances, privileges abusers of the conflict and discriminates against the victims, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), The poor and democracy: Social elites often blame the poor for undermining democracy but investigation shows that it is otherwise, by Mahendra Lawoti (kp), My vision for Nepal: Inclusive and democratic, by Darshan Rauniyar (ht), The Holi land: Anger over corruption and neglect after 2008 rankles the Tarai psyche, but people still favour immediate polls, by Anurag Acharya (nt)

28/03/2013: EC, party panel set to seek poll date today, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Baidya cadres busy foiling election plans (kp), CPN-M obstructing voter registration in districts (ht), Baidya's men vandalise election office (nn), 80 pc voters' roll update work completed: Commissioner Yadav (nn), Pragmatic move: The government needs to reach out to parties opposed to the elections (kp), UML mulling over left-democratic alliance: In bid to challenge UCPN-Maoist, Madhes-based parties during Constituent Assembly elections, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Madhesi leaders ‘to stay’ in UCPN-M: Refute media reports that they are forming a new party (ht), UCPN-M Tharu leaders warn of revolt (ht), TRC ordinance: Justice for women a ‘far cry’, by Pratichya Dulal (kp), Oh yeah, the election: Polls in June will be a tall order due to lethargic officialdom and unconfident political parties, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Politics of everyday life, by Sabin Ninglekhu Limbu (rep)

27/03/2013: Appointment of new judges in apex court ‘very soon’: Four forces in bid to get their favourites into judiciary, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [Who is going to stop these lawless failed party top leaders??], Govt gears up for voter roll update throughout nation: To mobilise citizenship distribution teams from Home Ministry and EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Cracks surface before FDRA poll alliance, by Pranab Kharel (kp), NC top brass busy themselves with party election publicity, by Prem Nepali (kp), UML decides to start poll preparation (nn), Voter registration disrupted again (ht), CPN-Maoist halts voter registration (kp), Gupta issues warning (kp), NC CWC to heat up over CJ-led Election Council (ht), Tardy transition: Ignoring the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord can have dangerous consequences (kp), Something’s wrong here: Political protection has emboldened perpetrators of VAW so that they are free to strike again, by Bhawana Upadhyay (kp), Govt fails to put its foot down on armed groups, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), There will be no election in June, interview with Bimalendra Nidhi, Nepali Congress (rep), Jimmy Carter and Nepal, by Kul Chandra Gautam (rep) [see part 2 (28/03/2013)

26/03/2013: Many challenges for June polls: EC chief Uprety; Says Oct-Nov window the best time for holding elections, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [Elections are useless either as long as the top political misleaders grab the power to decide everything irrespective of constitutional and legal rules!!!], Govt, EC still uncertain about poll date: Voters’list update emerges as one of major challenges; Talks to continue to sort out issues, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Maoists loot EC laptop, documents, by Ghanashyam Khadka (kp), Gurung vows CPN-M will sabotage polls (ht) [In other words: not by boycott but by criminal activities!!], Security up for voter registration work (ht), TRC Ordinance unacceptable: rights alliance (kp), Rights alliance to boycott TRC (ht), Two steps forward, four steps back: The technocratic government does not inspire confidence but it can be accepted for the sake of elections, by Bipin Shah (kp), Next CA: Will it deliver a constitution?, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht) [There is absolutely no perspective as long as power remains in the hands of the current top party leaders!], Wasteful spending: Expensive constitution making, by Sukhdev Shah (rep)

25/03/2013: EC commissioners sworn in: Uprety vows to do everything in power to hold CA polls on time, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Writ challenges re-appointment of three EC office-bearers (nn), TRC Ordinance challenged in court (kp), TRC Ordinance challenged in Supreme Court (ht), Big Four alliance to put election heat on agitating fringe parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-Maoist, 32 others announce protest plan (kp), 33 parties up ante against 11-point deal (ht), Prez move unconstitutional, says MJF-N chief Upendra Yadav (ht), CPN-M obstructs voters’ registration (kp), Voters’ registration obstructed in districts (ht), Bhandari, Gupta want govt to get rid of HLPC: They have also sought revocation of reduction in number of PR seats (ht), Wrong precedents (ht), Conflict victim cries for relief, by Ananda Gautam (kp), Election date unlikely for another week, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Elections by June is a sweet dream, interview with former Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokharel (kp), Malicious campaign: Hard-won consensus in peril, by Bishnu K. Pradhan (ht), Democratically debilitated: Before thinking of a democratic future with a new CA, it is important to understand key dynamics of the old CA, by Seira Tamang (kp), The System triumphs, by C.K. Lal (rep)

24/03/2013: CC nominees for EC remain unchanged: Council says commissioners re-appointment constitution, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Election Commission appointments likely today (ht), EC office-bearers likely to be appointed today (nn), Prez Yadav appoints EC office-bearers (nn), Sack political appointees: NC, UML (ht) [Appointments have always been politically misused by the ruling parties after 1990!!!], Dahal wants a red wave in Madhes, but can he create it?, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), EU to send vote observer mission (kp), FSP-N joins 36 parties against poll move (kp), Sujata doubts fair CA election (kp), Challenges ahead: It is time to help the government in conducting free and fair elections at the earliest, by Jainendra Jeevan (kp), Call to ammend TRC ordinance (kp), Revolutionary Lokman-mania: Dark deals turn Nepali politics into a farce, by Anil Bhattarai (kp), Policing the police, by Murari Sharma (rep), No woman's land: Citizenship through mothers (rep), CJ-led Government, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km) [see part 2 (31/03/2013), part 3 (07/04/2013), part 4 (14/04/2013), part 5 (21/04/2013), part 6 (28/04/2013), part 7 (05/05/2013), part 8 (12/05/2013), part 9 (19/05/2013), part 10 (26/05/2013), part 11 (02/06/2013), part 12 (09/06/2013), part 13 (16/06/2013), part 14 (23/06/2013), part 15 (30/06/2013), part 16 (07/07/2013), Part 17 (14/07/2013), part 18 (21/07/2013), part 19 (28/07/2013), part 20 (04/08/2013), part 21 (11/08/2013), part 22 (18/08/2013), part 23 (25/08/2013), part 24 (01/09/2013), part 25 (08/09/2013), part 26 (15/09/2013), part 27 (22/09/2013), part 28 (29/09/2013), part 29 (06/10/2013), part 30 (13/10/2013), part 31 (20/10/2013), part 32 (27/10/2013), part 33 (03/11/2013), part 34 (10/11/2013), part 35 (17/11/2013), part 36 (24/11/2013), part 37 (01/12/2013), part 38 (08/12/2013), part 39 (15/12/2013), part 40 (22/12/2013), part 41 (29/12/2013), part 42 (05/01/2014), part 43 (02/02/2014), part 44 (09/02/2014)]

23/03/2013: Prez seeks clarity over EC nominees: Govt to resend names; Writ in SC against plan; AG officials say move constitutional, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), CC, prez office on collision course: President seeks clarification for reappointing retired commissioners, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Regmi turns to high-level mechanism (ht), EC nominations: Regmi meets Prez, explains himself (nn), Europe envoys ask for country proposal to steer elections (kp), Constitutional Council sends list of EC office-bearers back to President (nn) [A legitimate CC does not exist!!!], EU envoys raise TRC concerns: Call on foreign minister to apprise govt of their position (ht), SC stays move to appoint Karki, by Pranab Kharel (kp), SC stays Karki’s appointment as CIAA chief (ht), Students’ memo to Regmi over Karki’s nomination (kp), Int’l rights groups lashgovt over amnesty clause (kp), Intl’ rights fraternity opposes TRC ordinance: Says the legal instrument will deny justice to thousands of victims of gross rights abuses (ht), Ujjan murder: ‘Threatened’, Sabitri knockson CDO’s door for security (kp), Ex-justices ask Regmi to quit as Chief Justice (kp), Cong’s loss in ’08 election cost country its constitution: Paudel (ht) [Yes, this is true: The NC did everything to prevent the new constitution after it lost in the 2008 elections!!], Proposed polls akin to elections under monarchy: Dev Gurung (nn), Dahal to run from ‘Madhes’ in CA polls (kp), Dahal to contest election from Madhes (ht), Mischief and mimicry: Road to CA polls, by Gopal Thapa (rep)

22/03/2013: Government to defend TRC set up: FM meeting European envoys today; Nepal to register a note at OHCHR headquarters, by Anil Giri (kp), TRC ordinance draws criticism (ht), Dahal defends murder convict Dhungel (kp) [This is the Nepali politicians' understanding of justice and TR!!], Nothing, but the truth: Perpetrator remorse and truth cannot be traded for justice, by Ram Kumar Bhandari /nt), Will boycott political events: War victims, by Purna BK (kp), Forget 2006: Plans to appoint Karki as CIAA head reveal the four parties’ opportunism (kp), Dispute over Karki's nomination as CIAA head puts off UML SC meet (nn), SC stays process to appoint Karki as CIAA chief (nn) [!!!], CC forwards names for Election Commission, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Poll commissioners’ names okayed (ht), Baidya party election participation comes with strings attached (kp), CPN-UML leader Jha quits party: Cites differences with leadership over issues of state restructuring (ht), Whose happiness? The sooner politics is backed by political actors, the better it will be for the nation, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Unfree and unfair? Restoring law and order for elections is the bare minimum for CJ-turned-PM Regmi, by Bihari Krishna Shrestha (nt), Free of fear: We need a firm commitment from political groups of the left, right, and centre for clean and non-violent polls, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Money in, money out: Growth in remittance is an indication of the abject political and economic state of Nepal, by Puja Tandon (nt), Regmi seeks consensus among student unions for FSU election (nn), Ex US President Jimmy Carter to arrive on March 29 (nn), The mantra remains the same: Maoist’s mantra and motto continue to remain the same: Now that monarchy has gone, judiciary and NA must be weakened, for power capture, by Yubaraj Ghimire (sp) [Anti-Maoist as a matter of principle but no mention of the negative role of army and other political parties!!], Constitutional Risk vs. Political Exit, by Surya Dhungel (sp), Political Cesspool and Unpleasant Questions Afloat, by Dipak Gyawali (sp), The Poll Post: With the formation of the new interim government led by chief justice Khil Raj Regmi, Nepal's four political parties have steered the political course towards the elections. Will this bring any change?, by Keshab Poudel (sp), The Political Pact Highlights (sp)

21/03/2013: Constitutional Council gets full shape (kp) [The interim constitution is null and void! Sovereignty is in the hands of the president and the so-called 'top leaders' of four parties!! The people started Jana Andolan II when Gyanendra Shah behaved the same in 2005/6!!], Constitutional Council meet today: Bound to endorse parties’ proposals for key posts (ht), SC moved against elite panel picks (kp), Decks cleared for formation of EC (ht), Four-party mechanism names EC office-bearers (nn), Constitutional Council names EC office-bearers (nn), Janajati party to hit streets against govt (kp), Student unions enforce 'chakkajam' against Karki's selection as CIAA chief (nn), UN rights body: Rectify faulty TRC provisions (kp), UNHCHR finds fault in TRC ordinance (ht), TRC ordinance regrettable: UN rights chief (nn), Not flying: The proposed TRC (rep), Dahal says campaign against Dhungel bid to disrupt peace process (nn) [Mr Dahal, do you really want to teach the victims of conflict that it disrupts the peace process if a murderer gets his justice???], June elections: UCPN (M) leads preparation race, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CPN-Maoist non-committal on election participation (kp), CPN-M sets riders to participate in polls (nn), Get them on board: Parties should engage those threatening to boycott elections (kp), Women seek one-third of CA (ht), UN for credible, inclusive CA elections (kp) [The 'top leaders' treatment of the federal state, their destruction of the inclusive first CA and the reduction of the number of proportional seats make clear that the Tagadhari leaders are not interested in an inclusive state! Besides, the way the parties select their candidates for the direct system is not inclusive and fair at all! None of the parties has a democratic internal structure!], UN’s Feltman seeks roadmap for early polls (ht), Hold polls to prevent another crisis: Civil society leaders, by Madhav Ghimire (kp), We can do it: Chairman Regmi has a lot on his plate but the election will succeed with the support of the parties, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Trust the watchdog: With politicians without credibility and civil society boxed in, the media is doing a great job informing the public, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Govt gears up for ‘adjusted budget’, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp), IEC Chairman Regmi: Some observations, by Mani Dixit (ht), Systemic disease: Int'l Day against Racial Discrimination, by Khyam Bishwokarma (rep)

20/03/2013: UCPN (M), 19 parties to have common manifesto (kp), FDRA in bid to find common candidates (ht 20/03/2013), Top UN official vows to support CA elections (kp), Gupta’s release may hot up nat’l politics (kp), Gupta calls for result-oriented election: Says fresh agreement on fundamentals of new statute must (ht), TRC provision: International community cries foul, by Anil Giri (kp), Constitutional appointment on hold as new row pops up (kp) [This will not change as long as the current 'top leaders' have any say in politics!!!], Dissent Congress leaders simmering down for polls, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Karki named to head CIAA: Panel urges UML chief to backtrack (kp), Writ filed against four parties' bid to 'appoint Karki as CIAA chief' (nn), Zero tolerance against corruption: Mallik (kp), Chief secretary may quit as NEA chairman: Miffed at the appointment of Jha, Koirala as ministers (ht), Rough road ahead (ht), Election date only after EC formation (ht), Uncertain elections: It is clear that the problems with next elections rest with the primary political players, not with the smaller political parties, by Narayan Manandhar (kp), Nepal's fiscal cliff, by Todd Schneider (rep)

19/03/2013: SC ruling: Regmi can’t hold dual positions, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [!!!!!], Executive head cannot hold CJ’s post till polls: SC (ht), CJ Regmi should resign: Lawyers (ht), 8 new faces in, Cabinet gets full shape: The first bureaucratic govt in Nepal's history is led by a sitting CJ with 10 top retired officials as ministers, by Anil Giri (kp), Regmi effects Cabinet expansion: Adds eight ministers to his team, seven of them on HLPC advice (ht), Chief Secy in 'tight spot' after ex-bureaucrats sworn in as ministers (nn), Stage set for constitutional picks, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), NC, UML against Karki (kp), Govt to announce election date only after appointment of EC office-bearers (nn), Panchthar gears up for CA elections, by Labadev Dhungana (kp), Thapa objects to ‘4-party syndicate’ (ht), CPN-M miffed by int'l support to CJ-led govt (nn), Former minister Gupta walks out of prison after 13 months: Vows to fight for Madhesis, marginalised people (ht) [In the same way of corruption as before??], Freed Gupta lashes out at Morcha (kp), Govt staff warn of poll boycott (ht), Appeal to envoys (ht), Drive for Hindu state (ht), Bandarmude victimstake govt to task, by Binod Tripathi (kp), A call of duty: Thank goodness for Regmi’s appointment, otherwise Nepal would still be drifting aimlessly, by Nishchal N. Pandey (kp)

18/03/2013: Appointments to constitutional bodies: President clears constitutional hurdles: Controversial ex-Chief Secy Lokman Singh Karki recommended as CIAA chief (kp)  [This sounds as if it is absolutely unimportant what is written in the constitution; the president can change the constitutional rules whenever he likes! Legitimate constitutional ways are possible! Why are they not used??], President paves way for filling vital vacancies: Objects to re-appointment of election commissioners who have retired, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), CIAA commissioner: Anti-graft activist warns of stir against Karki appointment (kp), False start: CIAA appointment (rep), Statute hurdle removal challenged (kp), NC leader flays CJ-headed govt (ht), HLPC recommends June 18 for CA polls (ht), EC demands Rs 7 billion, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), EC seeks more than Rs 7 billion for elections (ht), Dahal stresses poll alliance in FDRA, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Dahal wants to join hands with FDRA (ht), NC kickstarts election campaign, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Regmi’s resignation as Chief Justice will ensure elections, interview with Gagan Thapa (Nepali Congress (kp), Let women decide: Principles of inclusion should not be compromised for the sake of political convenience, by Savitree Thapa Gurung (kp), Constructive engagement: Rebuilding peace, by Nirajan Thapaliya (rep)

17/03/2013: Four parties formhigh-level panel (kp) [An unconstitutional committee to safeguard the continuation of the parties' power games!!], Parties agree on poll commissioners: To forward three names to interim govt today; High Level Political Mechanism gets its ToR (ht), Poll fever grips UCPN (M), NC, UML, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Bhadra Sharma (kp), Ex commissioners say June election possible (kp), ‘June elections possible’ (ht), Four parties urge govt to announce poll date tomorrow (nn), Govt holds interaction with Election Commission officials (nn), Struggle is the agenda for now, not polls: Baidya (ht), CPN-M won't participate in elections held by Regmi govt: Baidya (nn), NRNs demand voting rights (nn), 10 suggestions for the project mgmt team: CJ’s crew can deliver big by doing small things, by Sujeev Shakya (kp), Time to be political: The next elections will offer us an opportunity for democratic renewal, by Anil Bhattarai (kp), Nexus of resistance: Poetic violence of politics is the opening up of the politics of transition to new modes of non-violent crises, by Abhi Subedi (kp), The missing link: Gender equality, by Binod Sijapati (rep)

16/03/2013: NBA plans protest, seeking Regmi’s resignation as CJ (kp), Acting CJ vows to maintain independence of judiciary (ht) [??], Proportional representation seats cut to hit marginalised, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [!! Long live Tagadharibad!!], Federal front flays PR seat cut: Criticises 25-point presidential order; Says chief justice should resign his post (ht), Regmi takes EC appt bill to President, by Anil Giri (kp), Ordinance to clear way for EC appointments in offing (ht), Cabinet, parties get down to June election business, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Fringe parties ‘yet to take call’ on poll participation (kp), CPN-M torches copies of deal (ht), FSP jumps on anti-Regmi government bandwagon (kp), 34 parties to boycott Prez, poll govt head (ht), Common cause: Preparing for the CA polls (rep), Poll council formation hailed (kp), Global players stress on early elections, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), EU stresses on free, fair polls in Nepal (nn) [Exactly this is not possible on the basis of the agreement of the top party leaders!!], Pradhan steps down as attorney general: Claims whatever he did had constitutional validity (ht) [Dream on!!], Spl panel lifts ban on Army arms purchase, by Phanindra Dahal (kp)

15/03/2013: 3-man Cabinet in, polls top priority, by Anil Giri (kp), Regmi sworn in as new executive head (ht), Writ challenges formation of CJ-led govt (nn), Hearing on CJ govt postponed again (kp), Postponement of CJ case hearing draws flak: Lawyers seek chief justice’s resignation (ht), Officiating CJ commits to free judiciary (kp) [Dream on!], March 14 is a black day, says NBA, by Pranab Kharel (kp), ICJ urges Regmi to step down (kp), India, China, US laud CJ govt deal (kp), Big powers hail formation of chief justice-led government (ht) [They have their their own interests in Nepal and are not interested in the rule of law!], UN chief welcomes formation of interim election govt (nn) [Probably, he welcomes the movement, not the content!!], Hectic lobbying for Cabinet posts, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [The power fighting of the parties goes on as expected!!], Key to politics with parties: Bhattarai (kp) [No future for an independent election government!!!], Parties still hold sway over state power, says Bhattarai (ht) [Since 27 May 2012, the parties have no legitimacy to hold sway over state powers!!], 19 parties shut city in protest (kp), Valley bandh enforcers go berserk (ht), Picking up the pieces: To extricate the polity from the dangerous course just taken and to guarantee a healthy election campaign, Khil Raj Regmi should resign as chief justice, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), President okays TRC ordinance: 5-member commission has discretionary powers on serious war crimes (kp), Prez issues tweaked TRC Ordinance: Does not meet international standards: Rights activists, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Attorney General Pradhan puts in papers (nn) [This has been overdue for long!], 'Slashing of proportional seats objectionable' (nn), Muslims' rights are a far cry in Nepal, by Dev Kumar Sunuwar (rep), No country of their own: Every citizen has a right to vote in the next election, but what of the stateless citizens of Nepal?, by Anurag Acharya (nt), A wide open field: The results of the Himalmedia Public Opinion Poll 2013 give the clearest indication yet of the widespread public disillusionment with the main political parties (nt), Up for grabs: The field is wide open in the next election for any party that can prove it can perform, by Kunda Dixit (nt)

14/03/2013: After 13-hr marathon, parties okay cj govt:Interim govt asked to hold polls by June 21; Deal on TRC, ranks for ex-PLA fighters, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Midnight deal on CJ-led govt saves the day: Regmi to lead an 11-member interim election council; Appointment today; Poll by June 21, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Cabinet recommends prez to invoke Article 158 (ht) [Article 158 requires the existence of a legislature parliament!! President and government cannot do whatever they want without a parliament! That the president changes this article 158 is ridiculous! There are legitimate ways possible to hold new elections!!], Tough poll task ahead, but EC confident, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Game theory: Empowering the EC (rep) [You first need a parliament to introduce the necessary legal changes!!], President to swear in CJ Regmi today, by Anil Giri (kp), CJ Regmi sworn in as head of Interim Election Council, two ministers named (nn), Prez Yadav issues decree to amend constitution (nn) [Without any doubt, the amenment is necessary but rhe president does not have the legitimacy! Only the revived parliament could fulfil this job!!], CJ govt has a mountain to climb, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Quash petition against CJ-led govt: Defendants (ht), Small parties warn of stern protest (kp), 21 parties oppose CJ-led government: ‘Bid to block efforts to form regressive govt’ (ht), Chief justice-led govt unlawful: NBA (ht), NC CC members call for Regmi’s resignation (ht), ‘Federalism issue led to conflict’ (kp), Neither PM Bhattarai nor Chief Justice Regmi resigns (nn), CPN-M takes to streets against Regmi's appointment (nn), Supreme Court postpones hearing on writ against four-parties (nn) [The people must understand that executive, jurisdiction and legislation are now in one hand! Writ petitions of this kind are superfluous in future!! The rule of law has definitely ended!], Head of State endorses truth commission ordinance (nn) [!!], First meeting of CJ-led cabinet decides to stop distribution of state largesse (nn), Identity-based politics on decline in Nepal: Carter Center (ht) [The discussions will start again with a newly elected CA because the current leaders all the political parties do no not want an inclusive federal system!!], Cautious optimism: Good election process is now required for elections to enjoy broad public support (kp), Bring in the RPP: If the extreme left’s defeat is the opposition’s agenda, their only option is to side with the RPP, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (kp) [The RPP-Nepal is a very small party of diehard monarchists and those who call themselves 'left' have got a clear absolute majority of votes in the 2008 elections! Nepal needs strong reforms and inclusion, and both is not possible with persons like Kamal Thapa!], Battle of the sexes, by Anjali Subedi (rep)

13/03/2013: Now, parties cautiously optimistic about CJ govt, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp), Book on govt report card likely today: Inability to bring a full-fledged budget only weakness stated in the 50-page document, by Anil Giri (kp), Highest rank for ex-fighters still rankles: Parties agree not to include high-level political mechanism among constitutional provisions (ht), RPP-N joins hands with major forces for CJ-govt (ht) [This is an unimportant monarchist party whose leader should stand trial for his role in the brutal suppression of Jana Andolan II !!], President not to act in haste, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Election watchdog formed (kp), Madhesis demand citizenship by descent (ht), Feminine strength: Empowering Nepali women, by Suraj Thapa (rep)

12/03/2013: TRC ordinance: Blanket amnesty provision will go, say party leaders, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pranab Kharel (kp) [Justice is a principle that can be negotiated by the dishonest politicians at will!!], Parties agree to forgo amnesty provision in TRC (nn), Truth commission, PLA rank still bone of contention (nn), Govt not to issue travel papers for Col Lama until final verdict, by Anil Giri (kp), ‘CJ violated code of conduct for judges’ (kp), Chief justice accused of violating judges’ code: Ex-CJ objects to incumbent’s political meetings (ht), Major forces say CJ-led govt likely tomorrow: Sources claim a deal for the same to be signed today; Leaders yet to close ranks on ex-fighters (ht), Exclusion and the economy: Making the state inclusive is the single most important step to ensure income equality, by Bipin Shah (kp), Make up your mind: Koirala should lead, follow or get out of the way as his dithering is prolonging the crisis, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Power corrupts: CJ as executive head, by Dinesh Lamsal (rep), Constitutional nightmare, by Sukhdev Shah (rep)

11/03/2013: At the threshold: This is not a transitional context requiring the annihilation of rule of law and constitutionalism, by Semanta Dahal (kp), Parties one on removing hurdles, by Pranab Kharel and Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Parties agree to remove hurdles to make CJ PM: Send draft of the agreement to chief justice for technical advice, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Today's four-party talks to dwell on ranks for combatants, TRC (nn), Forget ranks: Parties should focus on important issues like citizenship and voter rolls (kp), 'PM will hand over power to CJ without announcing resignation' (nn), Troubling signs: Dim prospects of CA polls (rep), Integration deepened national unity: CoAS (kp), Holding polls in June to be tall order, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), So-called civil society leaders have their own agendas, interview with Lok Raj Baral (kp)

10/03/2013: June polls in jeopardy as deal still elusive; UCPN (M): CJ-led govt not possible if no agreement on providing top ranks to ex-combatants, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [Forget elections in June with these failed and incompetent top party leaders! First replace them with a completely new generation of honest leaders in all parties!!!], State of the nation: The only solution to the present crisis is fresh election for popular mandate administered by a government widely perceived to be independent, by Ram Sharan Mahat (kp) [But only, if the current top leaders are prevented from future intervention!!], Four forces get closer to deal: Say they have agreed on all thorny issues save fighters’ranks in NA (ht), ‘CJ-headed government smacks of conspiracy’ (ht), Chief Justice must resign first, says Sujata (ht), CPN-M warns of another uprising (ht), New Delhi wants stability in Nepal: Indian leaders (ht), Directive on changing names of schools with foreign names: Swing into action within six months: DoE (kp) [But the federal states cannot get the names of the original indigenous homelands according to NC and UML male Bahuns!!??], Drastic and dangerous: Border referendum proposal, by Murari Sharma (rep)

09/03/2013: Parties fail to hammer out deal as disputes resurface: Citizenship, voters’ roll, TRC, ex-PLA fighters’ ranks sticking points, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Negotiations back to square one, parties mired in blame game: A sting in the tail as thorny issues resurface, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), UML leader’s no to CJ-led govt (kp), NC leader opposes CJ-led govt bid before SC verdict (ht), ‘Regmi must resignbefore becoming PM’ (ht), ‘CJ-headed govt recipe for failure’ (ht), Sujata slams parties (ht), Another round of four-party talks turns futile (nn), Prime minister defends controversial issues (kp), PM issues rebuttal of charges: Makes bid to prove he is clean as a hound’s tooth (ht), India wants to see elections in Nepal at the earliest: Indian leaders (nn), Problems ‘galore’ for Muslim women, by Janak Nepal (kp), Land of unreasonable doubt: Authorities in Nepal don’t appear to be driven by logic and reason; their philosophies transcend such mundane ideas, by Aagat Sharma (kp), A promise is a promise: A look back at the progress made in women’s rights over the years and towards the challenges the future holds, by Prativa Subedi (kp)

08/03/2013: PAPAD against sitting CJ-led govt (kp), Court hearing deferral may further delay plan, by Pranab Kharel (kp), CJ won’t become PM at least for a week: Apex court reschedules Thursday’s final hearing on a case involving chief justice for March 14 (ht), Proposed CJ-led govt deal: Stuck at ranks for ex-PLA fighters, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Voter rolls now apple of discord, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Four forces optimistic about early deal, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Formal agreement on Regmi-led govt around the corner, say leaders (nn), Another banda hits normal life (kp), 154 arrested, four vehicles vandalised (ht), Bandh affects life across country (ht), Banda hits 2 big biz events (kp), Increase women’s participation in decision-making, says UN (ht), Gender empowerment (ht), Women’s status still bleak: Reports of murder, torture continue to trickle in (kp), Occupy updates: After 70 days, it’s clear that we’re in it for the long haul, by Pranika Koyu (kp), Voting power: Women can swing the outcome of elections, and the next polls can be a sheer numbers game, by Rajju Malla-Dhakal (kp), Fresh faces: The next general election is up for grabs to anyone who can guarantee integrity, vision, and good governance (nt), Empowering women to become change makers, by Nistha Rayamajhi (rep), Nepal’s gender apartheid: The real day for women is still a long way away in Nepal, by Deepti Gurung (nt), Foreign domestic policy: Nepal’s quest for sovereignty and international credibility stands at odds with its geo-strategic balancing act, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Uncertain Again, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Ex-Guerillas In New Avatar: The country is teetering to fall apart because of their inability to democratically handle the state affairs, by Guna Raj Luitel (sp), A nation prone to blackmail: Their message is ‘it is not important to follow the rules or principles or the provisions of the constitution or the established process, by Yubaraj Ghimire (sp)

07/03/2013: NHRC can now probe, file rights cases on its own: Supreme Court scraps a provision in the NHRC Act that allowed the Attorney General to decide on rights violation cases (kp), SC rules AG’s discretionary power null and void: Removes statute of limitation; Backs rights body’s autonomy, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Shutdown, the ‘easy road’ always taken: When demands aren't addressed, parties act like terrorist groups and enforce bandas, with cadres patrolling the streets, on the lookout for anyone foolhardy enough to test them, by Samik Kharel (kp), Banda throws life out of gear across country (kp), Dawn-to-dusk shutdown largely peaceful (ht) [Every bandh is a crime per se and not peaceful because it is a grave violation of the fundamental rights of the people!!], Nationwide bandh grinds country to halt (ht), Stop bandhs (ht), Another bandh chokes nation; 151 held in Kathmandu Valley (nn), Path lost: It is time for the CPN-Maoist to rethink its position and role in Nepali society (kp), As parties inch closer to deal, hurdles remain, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Now, poll plans likely to hit ballot paper hurdle, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Elect professional election commissioners: Experts (ht), Protracted political logjam worries EU ambassadors (kp), Crisis-weary Indian leaders arriving today (kp), ‘Current govt to hold polls if no deal on CJ’: PM’s adviser says onus on the incumbent administration (ht), Govt cancels Rs 35m in loans taken by killed or disappeared (kp), Journalists and lawyers: Nepal’s journalists and lawyers appear to stand against progressive change, by Pramod Mishra (kp) [???], Political paralysis: It remains a mystery whether the SC's press release was endorsed by SC justices, or the CJ personally sought to give a judicial cover to a personal and political matter, by Bhagirath Basnet (rep) [Once again biassed! The chaos has been produced by the leaders of all parties! The aim must be to get rid of all the current top political leaders through elections!!], Hearing on writ against CJ-led govt deferred till March 14 (ko), Apex court postpones hearing on CJ-led govt till March 14 (rep)

06/03/2013: Response to SC show cause: No plans to depute CJ to head election government: PM, by Pranab Kharel (kp) [???], Petition unclear, says Prez office (kp) [This has not to be decided by the president but by the SC!!!], Authorities submit explanation to SC: Say Regmi’s deputationas PM politicalmatter (ht), Special bench to hear anti-Regmi govt petition (kp 06/03/2013), SC upholds move to reject contempt case against CJ (kp) [The end of separation of powers!], New case involving CJ sub judice till March 14: Appointment of head of judiciary as prime minister likely to be delayed, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Parties agree in principle on citizenship, voter roll update (kp) [In principle is not enough! It must be without reservation and it must also include the children of Nepali women and foreign fathers!!], Top leaders agree on voters’ list, citizenship: Fifty-fifty chances of a deal today (ht), Koirala says prospects of CJ-led govt fading (ht), Get serious (rep), EU delegation meets UML chief, calls for local polls pronto (nn), A long wait: Local elections help institutionalise political gains, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp), E/J for PM? Fourth estate nominee, by Dharma Adhikari (rep)

05/03/2013: CJ-led government plan: UCPN (M) may rethink idea if polls deferred (kp), Cong prez casts doubts, by Lavadev Dhungana (kp), NC leaders mount pressure on party: Congress leadership told to hold CWC meet to decide on CJ govt (kp), Four bigwigs meeting today (kp), PM appointment anybody’s guess, prez tells SC: Apex court told no need to test constitutionality of the case, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [???], Chances of deal on CJ-led govt bleak: Rijal, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Yami sees no need for constitution (kp) [????], Maoist leader Mahara says constitution no remedy for crisis (ht), Dahal’s aid pledge turns hollow, by Bimal Khatiwada and Dipendra Baduwal (kp), UCPN (M) announces Rs 6 m relief aid to Badarmude bomb victims (nn), The guilty must pay: The pleas of conflict victims for justice have not been heard even six years after the peace pact, by Suman Adhikari (kp), Vanished voters: EC should ensure that no eligible citizens are excluded from voting (kp), Citizenship issue can be resolved: Leaders, by Arjun Bhandari (ht), Election without voters: Are biometric details so urgent now?, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht), Nepal 8th most miserable place to live in (ht), Citizenship through mother: Fugitives by birth, by Deepti Gurung (rep)

04/03/2013: Parties target deal ahead of SC verdict (ht), No CJ govt before court verdict: Prez (kp) [The verdict will be prejudiced either!! The SC will not decide against its boss!!], SC defers hearing on CJ Regmi’s case (ht), CJ court contempt charge: Writ challenges case rejection (kp), War-era rights violations: Nepal Army to help set up TRC, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [??], Lessons from Lama: Govt can show its commitment to TRC by revising the existing bill (kp), No relief in sight yet for Bandarmudhe blast victims (ht), EC starts voters’ verification process (kp), AG: UDHR outdated in Nepal’s context (kp) [For the sake of Nepal: Dismiss this man immediately!!!], NC, UML cadres clash in Dhadingbesi (kp), Democracy in peril: Koirala (ht) [Which democracy???], It’s okay to violate separation of powers if that helps hold polls, interview with Raman Shrestha (kp) [???????], UN finds Nepali Army lacking on inclusiveness, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), The dark underbelly: Criminalization of politics, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

03/03/2013: Civil society against CJ-led govt (ht), Limbuwan says no to Regmi-led govt (ht), Got ethics? Chief Justice's relation to politicians goes against code of conduct for judges, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Paudel says CJ-led govt must to end political deadlock (ht) [No, giving all the failed party leaders the boot is the precondition for ending the political deadlock!!!!!], Col Lama granted bail under tough terms, by Phanindra Dahal and Nabin Pokharel (kp), Colonel Kumar Lama’s bail set at £10,000: Court directs him not to leave the United Kingdom until case is over (ht), Leaders portrayed as ‘superheroes’ (kp), Submit illegal weapons by March 28, says govt (ht)

02/03/2013: Won’t make any unconstitutional move, Prez tells NBA delegation, by Bhadra (kp) [But it's already in full swing! Why don't you stop this??], President hints he will seek SC advice on CJ-led govt: Says Article 38 (1) process still on; NBA lobbies against Regmi as PM, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht) [Article 38 is based on the existence of an elected parliament!! There is no constitutional way without a short time revival of the parliament!! Asking the SC if its boss behaves correctly is absolute nonsense!!], Writ against CJ-led govt: Hearing deferred (kp) [!!!!], Four forces hopeful of deal by March 7 (kp) [Incompetence times four!!], Maoist-led front declares bandh on Wednesday (ht), Civil society group takes to streets against plan to form CJ-led govt (nn), Madi bomb blast: Dahal bounty leaves victims’ body in a fix, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp), Madhesis entitled to citizenship, says Thakur: ‘People are rendered stateless due to bigoted policies of the state’ (ht), UK court grants Col Lama bail (nn), A fatal flaw? Proposal for CJ-lad government, by Michael van Es (rep)

01/03/2013: SC quashes chief justice contempt of court charge, by Bhadra Sharma (kp) [This was to be expected! The SC will never decide against its boss! With the CJ as PM, the executive can do what it wants to do in future!!], Apex court rejects contempt case against CJ: Says petitioner misinterpreted Regmi’s press statement,hence no need to register the petition, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Attorney office, cops‘ defy’ court orders, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp) [This may be normal in future!], Stability at what cost? Setting a precedent for a politicised judiciary will mire Nepal in long-term instability (nt), Bar delegation suggests Prez against installing CJ-led govt (nn), Will seal CJ govt deal before SC verdict: Big 4 (kp), Four forces fail to reach agreement on issues (ht), Maoist boss regrets Madi bus blast; promises aid for victims, by Dipendra Badupal (kp) [This is not enough! The culprits have to be punished including those who ordered and protected such procedure as well as those who ordered the security forces to use public transport!!], UCPN-M chairman announces relief, but where is the money?, by Chintamani Poudel (ht), EC updates electoral ordinance drafts (kp), Carter Center wants citizenship issue addressed before election (kp), Carter Center suggests update of voters’ list (ht), Regmi-led govt result of parties’ failure, says Deuba (ht) [The whole crisis is the result of the pay leaders failure! Making Regmi PM is another failure!!], Overwhelming force: Why fall for the argument that the rule of law has to be destroyed in order to save rule of law?, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp), Striving for sustainable peace: Seven years after the historic peace agreement, Nepal still struggles to restore peace, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Rotten to the core: Nepal’s legal system has been too kind to those at the top who have presided over the plunder of the state, by Anurag Acharya (nt)

28/02/2013: Court contempt case against CJ: Application under consideration at the Supreme Court administration (kp), Outstanding issues: For the period that CJ heads govt, he shouldn’t be able to influence courts (kp) [No, the head of the judiciary cannot be the head of the executive! This is against the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law!! Maybe the party leaders do not have the intellect to understand this, but the current CJ knows this very well!], Maoist boss now hints at polls in November, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp) [But only if the so-called leaders stop their nonsense games and revive the parliament immediately to decide the necessary constitutional and legal changes!], March 7 date puts political forces at sixes and sevens: NC, UML want to wait for SC verdict, ruling partners don't (ht) [These party leaders do not represent the people! What gives them the legitimation to change the constitution???], NC to wait SC verdict on CJ govt (ht), UML unanimously backs Regmi-led govt: Decision comes against the backdrop of growing rift (ht), Holding polls in June not a cakewalk: Dahal, Gachhadar say election most likely in November (ht), Oppn parties hit out at govt decisions: Parties struggle to strike agreement on various outstanding issues (kp), Badarmude bomb victims stage protest as Dahal arrives in Madi (nn), Illusionary left: Nepal’s political parties are “left” in name but overwhelmingly “right” in their policies, by Suman Khadka (kp), Unseen violence: In most cases, women remain sexually harassed and discriminated against socially and religiously, by Shova Shakya and Gérard Toffin (kp), Using judges for election does not violate separation of powers, interview with Ram Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress (rep), All the fuss: CJ-led govt, by Biswas Baral (rep)

27/02/2013: Chief Justice in moral crisis: Bar; NBA questions the authenticity of apex court statement, demands clear position (kp), NBA censures CJ, says he’s facing moral crisis: Accuses Regmi of undermining judges’ code of conduct (ht), Petition against plans to form Regmi-led govt (kp), Congress gives a mixed verdict on CJ-led govt, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), NC struggles to quieten dissenting voices: Youth leaders question party top brass over CJ-led govt (ht), NC, UML top brass strive to allay second-rung leaders' misgivings (nn), ‘CJ-led govt puts nation at risk’ (ht), Forward is the way: CJ-led government, by Apurba Khatiwada (rep), Four devices planted by newoutfit defused (kp), Bombs found in key cities, spreading panic (ht), Compassionate democracy, by Aditya Man Shrestha (rep)

26/02/2013: CJ gives conditional nod to proposal; Regmi to leaders: Ready to make any sacrifice to provide outlet to the political impasse, by Pranab Kharel (kp), After days of dilly-dallying, CJ accepts PM offer: SC statement says Regmi not guided by personal interest (ht), Parties agree to clear legal, statute hurdles, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp) [This is not possible on the basis of the interim constitutions! The top party leaders are not gods!!], NBA expresses objection over SC spokesperson’s statement on CJ-led govt (nn), Relinquish judicial powers: Nepal Bar to CJ Regmi (nn), Another writ filed against plan to install CJ-led govt (nn), Parties to expedite work to amend statute (ht), CJ-led government a EU idea, says Gajurel, by Mahesh Acharya (kp), Dailekh Inspector Sharma denied deserved promotion, by Prakash Adhikari and Ankit Adhikari (kp), Family matters: The metaphors used in politics give a glimpse to how the political actors conceptualise politics and society, by Gyanu Adhikari (kp), Bombs planted by new 'Maoist outfit' defused in Butwal, Biratnagar and Banke (nn)

25/02/2013: June poll prospects effectively end: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Free from problems: Parties need to sort out all political and legal complications before elections (kp), Court asks PM, Dahal to explain CJ govt plan, by Pranab Kharel (kp), Special bench to decide PM’s chair for CJ or not: Chief justice can accept post but SC can scrap decision; Show cause for President’s office, PMO, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), CJ balks at meeting Big 4: Top leaders may parley with Regmi today to seek his answer, by Anil Giri (kp), Regmi non-committal, parties to try again today: UDMF seeks formation of commission to delineate constituencies afresh (ht), CJ Regmi agrees to head election govt (nn) [This is the end of rule of law: no legislature to introduce necessary legal changes for elections, and executive and judiciary in one hand against all principles of the interim constitution!!! And now, the SC shall decide if its boss takes a correct decision???], CJ Regmi finally breaks silence, says is open to four-party proposition (nn), New government only after SC verdict, say NC leaders (nn) [This verdict has already been anticipated by Regmi's decision!!], CPN-M to launch Bhalka campaign (ht), Chief secy for mother tongue use: Hails role of Gorkhapatra’s multilingual pages in preserving culture (ht), Rite of passage: Impunity and lawlessness (rep), Necessity of local elections: For good governance, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ht), Step in right direction: In favor of ethnic states, by Anand Jha (rep)

24/02/2013: Dr Devkota suggests bigwigs to quit politics, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht) [This is the only way to save the country! It's highest time!!! None of these self-claimed to party leaders is needed!!], Justice versus politics: Securing the independence of judiciary is a must, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), CJ Regmi to get last offer today: Four parties to seek alternative if he declines; TRC, citizenship row escalates further, by Anil Giri and Bhadra Sharma (kp), Four major forces to address CJ’s concerns today (ht), CJ-led govt to oust Bhattarai: Koirala, by Sudip Kaini (kp) [There is no democracy in Nepal but partiocracy and total disregard of the interim constitution and the rule of law, Mr Koirala!!!], UDMF likely to oppose Upreti’s reappointment as EC chief (ht), Nepal emerging as ‘regional hub for human trafficking, by Roshan Sedhai and Ankit Adhikari (kp), Our chance: Elections will provide an opportunity for all citizens to speak up and cleanse the polity, by Anil Bhattarai (kp) [Elections mean nothing as long as those selfish, power-greedy and nation destroying old party leaders continue their chaotic partiocracy games!!], Maoist grand design?, by Murari Sharma and Bhagirath Basnet (rep) [Why so one-sided? Its the grand design of all the top party leaders!!], Incidents like arrest of Colonel Lama could repeat if transitional justice mechanisms are not set up, warns UN (nn)

23/02/2013: Bar reps’ strong no to CJ-led govt (kp), Four forces’ bid to coax NBA gets thumbs-down: Bar members say CJ-led govt will be against constitutionalism (ht), Apex court defers hearing on PM appointment case (ht), No accord in 7 days may mean no June polls: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Full budget ‘must’ if polls are to be heldthis fiscal (kp), Envoys urge CPN-M to be part of polls (kp) [This is not in support of Baidya's politics, but the envoys obviously understand nothing!!], Big IV responsible for crisis, CPN-M tells EU mission (ht), Parties agreed for CJ-led govt under pressure, says Koirala (ht), ‘The later the election, the better it is’: Experts say polls in hurry could be a recipe for disaster, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Women barred from combat duties: Military analysts have said women will not get a chance to serve as the chief of the NA as long as such a provision in the Army Service Rule remains, by Phanindra Dahal (kp)

22/02/2013: Nepali apartheid: The Invisible Doko, by Jenima Diki Sherpa (rep) [!!!!!!], Govt officials set to skip Geneva UN rights meet, by Anil Giri (kp), Constitutional, legal hurdles delay deal, by Bhadra Sharma and Pranab Kharel (kp), Congress leaders prod party honchos against CJ-led govt (kp), Legal experts judge Regmi as good justice, weak leader: Say his appointment as executive headcould open a Pandora’s box; Claim he is not cut out to be a troubleshooter, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Lawyers suggest Cabinet under Regmi possible (kp) [How can lawyers state this??], CJ can lead govt, say constitutional experts (ht), Road to elections: Major parties need to reach out to give smaller parties political ownership (kp), Four-party parley to continue today (nn), Hearing on writ against CJ-led govt deferred again (nn) [This is a criminal procedure by the judiciary!!!], Agree to disagree: CJ as the head of the electoral government will only make sense if the parties agree not to disagree about polls end-May, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Electing to go for elections: Only fresh elections will get us out of this rut, but they have to be clean and violence-free (nt) [Clean elections require a short time revival of the parliament and severe disciplining of the parties!!], Dalits’ hunger strikefor right to water, by Khagendra Awasthi (kp), Voters and constituencies: Guaranteeing Madhesis the right to vote to participate in political affairs is an important responsibility of the state, by Dipendra Jha (kp), Questioning Nepal’s politicians: Searching for answers for a way forward, by Curtis S. Chin (ht), Kathmandu's own Occupy Movement: Beyond slogans, branding and impulsive activism, by Amendra Pokhrel (rep), Leaders vs Parties: The origin point of the dangerous idea to have CJ as the Prime Minister might have been anywhere, inside or outside Nepal, by Yubaraj Ghimire (sp), Odd Allies: Chief justice Khil Raj Regmi’s rejection to lead the interim government has something more than that meets the eye, by Keshab Poudel (sp), Elections: Dream Or Reality? (sp), Federalism and Public Opinion, by Sudhindra Sharma (sp)

21/02/2013: Party leaders formally ask CJ to lead poll govt: Regmi concerned about some package deal provisions (kp), Deal on CJ-led govt so near, yet so far: Meeting between Regmi,top leaders fails to bear fruit,raising fears of protracted deadlock, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Prakash Acharya (ht), Left parties want Prez to halt CJ govt plans (kp), CJ-led govt proposal unscientific, interview with Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplap’, CPN-M (rep), Khanal-Nepal rift results in UML meet deferral (ht), 21 parties oppose poll govt (ht), NC prez asks whether Chief Justice is a Maoist activist (nn) [???], Separation of state power is uncompromisable: NC leaders (nn), CJ Regmi 'unwilling' to head election govt without all-party consensus (nn), Transition will end in good time: Rana (kp) [There is no sign for this as long as partiocracy and impunity rule!!], ‘Army can’t operate in vacuum’: Gen Rana says military has played a key role in times of crisis (ht) [Yes, but very often a negative one!!], Elections and beyond: At a time of momentous decisions for the country’s future, elections conducted by impartial hands become absolutely indispensable, by Pramod Mishra (kp), Comfortably numb: Neither lawlessness nor dire economy seems to galvanise the people, by Manish Gyawali (kp), Transformation and neo-liberalism: Is there symmetrical relation?, by Dilli Raj Khanal (ht), Dangerous game: Foreign meddling, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep)

20/02/2013: Leaders to lend CJ ‘full support’, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), New bones of contention delay CJ govt formation, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), CJ’s spin gives new twist to power-transfer tale: Top leaders of four major political forces taken by surprise, to meet Regmi to persuade him, by Prakash Acharya (ht), Chief justice says ‘thorny issues’ stinging him, by Ananta Raj Luitel (ht), Regmi ready and waiting, says PM, by Sudip Kaini (kp) [??], Regmi remains tight-lipped (kp) [He should better make clear that he cannot become PM according to article 108 of the constitution!], Nepal wants chief justice to resign before he becomes prime minister (ht) [This is the least that should happen, but the whole procedure remains unconstitutional anyway!], Dispute resurfaces in UML over idea of CJ-led govt; SC meeting put off (nn), Banda hits life across country (kp), Bandh cripples life in city, six vehicles vandalised (ht), Bandh cripples normal life: CPN-Maoist cadres vandalise govt offices, harass tourists (ht), Gajurel rapped for defying party’s nationwide strike (ht), More protests announced (ht), UDMF, Madhesi parties in a dilemma about their agenda: Constituencies, citizenship put them in a fix, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht)

19/02/2013: Final deal on CJ govt near, say parties: Divided on TRC, ranks for ex-combatants, voters’ list update, citizenship card distribution, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Top guns agree on CJ-led govt, June 5 election: Leaders say all-party meeting today after discussing and finalising all outstanding issues, by Prakash Acharya (ht), CPN-M calls bandh to protest ‘syndicate politics’: Second-rung leaders of Congress, UML oppose parties’decision, by Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-M bandh hits life nationwide; press vehicles vandalized, TU exams take place as per schedule (nn), Bandh ends at 5 pm (nn), Ex-CJ alarmed at emerging autocracy: Says presidential power does not mean authority to do anything (ht), ‘CJ-led govt against Interim Constitution’ (kp), Nefin calls for Assembly rebirth (kp), NSP sit-in in front of President’s office (ht), CWC not in favour of CJ-led govt: Sujata (ht), 'CJ Regmi has taken four-party proposal positively' (nn) [The CJ should know best that the top positions of executive and judiciary should never be in the same hands!! It already disqualifies him as CJ, as well, that he has not rejected this plan right from the beginning!!], Hearing on writ against Chief Justice-led election govt postponed (nn) [???? There is currently no case of similar importance and urgency!!], EC prepares 92-day poll plan, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Preparations for CA elections: It will be unfair if electoral seats are not reallocated according to latest census data, by Tej Prasad Adhikari (kp), Whither elections: Parties are underestimating the time required for political negotiations and technical preparations, by Rajju Malla-Dhakal (kp), Insec reports increase in cases of rights violation (kp) [see summary of INSEC yearbook 2013], Time to make time for Nepal: On a rescue mission, by Anil Keshary Shah (ht), Freedom denied: Ban on Badhsala, by Alok Pokharel (rep), Why federalism? View from the grassroots, by Mukesh Khanal (rep)

18/02/2013: Nepal is turning into a technocracy, interview with Johan Galtung (kp), Apex court woes may worsen (kp), SC petitioned against CJ-led govt (kp), Stay order sought againstRegmi’s appointment as PM (ht), Leaders flay CJ-led govt plan (kp), Difficult choice: Chief Justice-led govt opens the door for elections, though dangers remain (kp), Cross-party panel plans polls by June 5: Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi will head a 9-11 member election govt, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Parties say efforts to bear fruit today, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), Thorny issues likely to hit package deal (kp), Zero in on polls (ht), NC CWC, leadership differ on CJ-led election govt (ht), UML leader accuses party of buckling under pressure (ht), CPN-Maoist to oppose CJ-led govt: Baidhya (ht), Small left parties oppose ongoing efforts of major political forces to appoint CJ as new PM (nn), NEFIN to hit the streets against CJ-led govt; Ashok Rai says parties awarding Regmi for his role in CA dissolution (nn), Bid to appoint CJ head of government against Constitution: Nembang (nn), Democracy Day to be observed (ht) [Which democracy? The endless and senseless power games of the politicians have nothing to do with democracy!!], Forced to quit during conflict, teachers to be reappointed (kp), Local up: The longer local elections are put off, the worse will be the impact on democratic politics, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp), Electoral government led by the Chief Justice: Not the end of the world, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (ht), Looking ahead: New polls roadsmap, by Ajit N.S. Thapa (rep)

17/02/2013: Four parties agree on CJ-led election govt: Accord to come into effect once package deal to ensure May polls is signed, by Phanindra Dahal (kp), Parties agree on Chief Justice Regmi-led election govt: Consensus to befinalised after package deal is worked out, by Prakash Acharya and Tika R. Pradhan (ht), CPN-UML keeps everybody guessing: Leaders interpret the party’s CC decision differently (ht), Govt gears up to re-appoint retired election officials, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), Polls possible in first week of June, says ex-EC chief (ht), Tripathi says no to chief justice-led govt (ht), Baidya threatens protests against CJ-led government (kp), Four left parties to oppose attempts to form CJ-led election govt (nn), CPN-Maoist to take to streets against four-party deal (nn), Indian envoy Prasad call on President Yadav (nn) [??], Crucial four-party meet under way at Shitalniwas (nn), CJ Regmi arrives at President's Office, 'to submit SC's yearly report' (nn) [??], Opposition leaders see 'foreign hand' behind agreement on CJ-led election govt (nn), Same old: Looking at PM Baburam Bhattarai now, he seems just the same as all the other politicians Nepalis have had the misfortune of being led by, by Pranaya SJB Rana (kp), Charm and charisma: The Hetauda convention has reinforced Prachanda’s leadership of the UCPN (Maoist), by Mukti Rijal (kp), Transparency for revolution: The UCPN (Maoist) idea of an ‘economic revolution’ was not floated with the intention of implementing it sincerely, by Bhadra Sharma (kp)

16/02/2013: The illusion of inclusion, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp), Koirala averse to CJ-led govt idea: Leaders, however, say deal still on the table (kp), Likely deal gets shelved as UML dilly-dallies: Could give nod to CJ-led govt today, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht), Parties mull new govt shape, name, by Pranab Kharel and Bhadra Sharma (kp), CPN-Maoist-led parties all set to launch protest rallies today (ht), 4 parties oppose CJ-led govt plan (kp), ‘Chief justice-led govt unacceptable’ (ht), Leaders in bid to guarantee polls by May end (ht) [How this??], Bhattarai defends CJ as PM candidate: Says he’s the most impartial choice (ht) [This is not the problem!!], Change of guard, TRC dominate party (kp), MJF-N seeks citizenship allotment, new constituencies before polls (kp), Seize the opportunity: Breaking the logjam, by Hari Bansha Dulal (rep)

15/02/2013: UML feels CJ govt okay if that sends Bhattarai out, by Bhadra Sharma (kp), UML Standing Committee agrees to govt under CJ (ht), Consensus deferred yet again till today: UML Standing Committee backs CJ-led govt; Central Committee likely to endorse the decision (ht), UML split over Maoist proposal, Central Committee meet postponed (nn), ‘Plan against Interim Constitution’ (kp), Civil society opposes Regmi as PM (ht), Don’t become PM, NBA tells Regmi (kp), Consensus govt within two days, says Bhattarai (kp) [?? This does not bring the country closer to elections and elections are what the country needs most!!], KC moots idea of prez-led election council (ht), 'Bureaucrats will run ministries under CJ-led mechanism' (nn), No breakthrough yet on election govt; talks to continue on Saturday (nn), New regulations change Nepal Army promotion criteria: Soldiers convicted of human rights violations will not be eligible for promotions, by Phanindra Dahal (kp) [This is not enough: They have to stand trial, and if found guilty they have to be punished!!], Court & the virus: Why is it necessary to put the Supreme Court on the chopping block to get us to elections in mid-May? One detects the toxic aroma of conspiracy, by Kanak Mani Dixit (kp) [Still one-sided! The country needs elections first, then the government may be ousted by the elected representatives of the people! An NC led government now brings no solution and it is definitely not democratic!], Nepal exercising partyocracy: Prof Galtung, by Lekhanath Pandey (ht), Reconciliation without resolution: Nepal has tried to reconcile with its past without resolving the underlying reasons of the conflict, by Anurag Acharya (nt), Lost in transition: Nepal is not the only country in the region which has had to deal with a dirty past (nt), Representing the collective voice of youth & women, interview with Nabina Lama (rep), Citizenship for Madhesi: A matter of state headache or of right and justice, by Dipendra Jha (rep) [excerpts from an unpublished report titled “Stateless Madhesi”, written for the NGO Third Alliance]