KATHMANDU, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday urged Madhes-based political parties to participate in the local elections on May 14.
The prime minister's call came a week after the parties' announcement of launching nationwide protests to disrupt the local elections.
Dahal said during his meeting with the agitating party leaders that the constitutional amendments submitted to the parliament will be approved in due course.
The meeting between the prime minister and Madhes-based parties was held at the prime minister's office in Baluwatar in the capital which was also attended by ruling party leaders.
During the meeting, the six Madhes-based parties have reiterated that amendments to the constitution should be made prior to elections.
The Madhes-based parties, which represent Nepal's southern belt bordering India, announced their unification and the launch of a new group called Rashtriya Janata Party on Thursday.
The Nepali government has registered a new constitution amendment bill at the parliament last week in a bid to address demands of disgruntled Madhes-based parties.
However, the parties have rejected to join the local body elections, saying the constitutional amendment bill does not meet their demands.
The bill stated that changes in federal boundaries, a key demand of the Madhes-based parties, will be determined by a federal restructuring commission to be formed by the government in future.
The Madhes-based parties also demand more political representation at the provincial and upper house and re-demarcation of provincial boundaries.
