Despite holding several rounds of negotiations, political parties are yet to come up with consensus idea. According to media reports, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Unified CPN-Maoist and United Democratic Madhesi Front tried to woo one another as they discussed the disputed issues of the constitution bilaterally as well as multilaterally at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The talks were held in a relaxed mood with the parties putting forth their views clearly and openly said Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula, adding, “Although nothing materialized, I am very hopeful the parties will reach agreement on the issues.”

The respective parties will hold internal consultations tomorrow and the four forces will resume talks on Monday.  UCPN-M leader Baburam Bhattarai said, “All parties have shown they desire consensus. They expressed their opinions openly although they are still reiterating their old stances.”

CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam said talks were positive and the parties analyzed various aspects of the disputed issues. NC leader Ramchandra Paudel said he was hopeful about reaching compromise on the periphery of the ruling parties’ joint proposal. “We are not rigid on the number of federal units. Although we have proposed seven-Pradesh model, the number can go down or up,” Paudel said. On forms of governance, he rejected the possibility of the parties agreeing on the mixed system with executive power sharing between a directly elected President and Parliament-elected Prime Minister reports The Himalayan Times.