KATHMANDU: A meeting of various political parties, called by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), concluded that the Election Commission’s “Procedure on Political Parties’ Self-Evaluation” contradicts the spirit of the Constitution and existing laws.

The meeting, which excluded the ruling Nepali Congress and main opposition CPN-UML, alleged that the Election Commission introduced this procedure at UML’s behest and decided to oppose it.

Leaders at the meeting stated that the Election Commission’s recent activities interfere with the rights of political parties, initiate unconstitutional practices, and are aimed at sidelining smaller and alternative parties.

Maoist Centre Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun said after the meeting, “We concluded that the Election Commission’s procedure falls outside the boundaries of the Constitution and law. This guideline appears to be a conspiracy to weaken parties other than Congress and UML.”

Sobita Gautam, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), accused the Election Commission of acting under the influence of ruling parties and trying to suppress independent and alternative political voices.

“In the name of self-evaluation, the Commission is trying to assume the authority to evaluate parties itself, which is not constitutionally valid,” she said, further accusing the Commission of misusing delegated legislation powers.

Leaders from participating parties expressed that the Commission’s attempt to regulate, supervise, and direct political parties oversteps constitutional boundaries.

They said a joint statement would be issued soon to voice a collective stance.

The meeting expressed serious objection to the Commission’s actions and initiated discussions to develop a common strategy demanding the annulment of the guideline.

Attendees of the meeting included Maoist Centre Chair Dahal, Senior Vice-Chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, RSP lawmaker Sobita Gautam, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Vice-Chair Buddhi Man Tamang, Janamat Party Chair Dr. CK Raut, JSP Nepal Chief Whip Rekha Yadav, and Aam Janata Party Chair Prabhu Sah.