After completion of the UCPN-Maoist plenum, party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Spoke to the media. Excerpts:


How do you see the possibility of holding the elections?

Our party has already decided to hold the elections. We will work now to make them successful.


Do you think the other parties will agree?

There is no alternative before us. It was a decision taken under the compulsion of circumstances.  Our party will now go to villages to make the coming elections successful. This is the message of our plenum.


What about the decision of other parties?

It is necessary to find a political consensus to hold the elections. We are going to hold a series of meetings to make the CA elections possible. We need to develop understanding and consensus. We will be more flexible towards this end. 


What other alternatives do you see?

All political parties need to settle the issue like identity based federalism, promulgation of new constitution from Constituent Assembly and formation of an all party government. These will be a part of the new road map.


Do you believe the elections will be held?

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and other parties are also coming closer to an agreement on the elections. This is a good sign. The process to hold the elections for CA is in the final stage. We can hold the elections for the CA and later on the CA will be transformed to a parliament with a five years’ tenure.


How do you see the possibility of CA revival?

At a time when all political parties are gradually heading to hold the elections for CA, there is no sense to talk about the revival of CA. It is an outdated idea now. We will promulgate the new ordinance and amend the constitution through consensus. This will help us hold the elections.


Other political parties are demanding the resignation of prime minister Baburam Bhattarai as a prerequisite  to hold the elections. What do you have to say on this?

I don't think the resignation of prime minister can settle any problem of the country. Resignation cannot bring any solution but it will create more problems. After the consensus among political parties, we are ready to form an all party national government under the leadership of Nepali Congress.'


After such a long dispute, what future do you see for the UCPN-Maoist?

Our party has united now and we have decided to hold the national convention. There are no more internal differences among Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Narayankazi Shrestha and I.