Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was rumoured to be planning to announce a fixed date for local elections during his Democracy Day speech on Saturday. He and other dignitaries released doves, but there was not date.

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The 67^th National Democracy Day (see pics) was observed in subdued fashion, with Dahal, President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and Chief Justice Sushila Karki observing a Nepal Army parade at Tundikhel.

In his speech, Dahal, repeated his call for elections, but it was obvious that negotiations with the Madhesi Front had not gone well. In fact, at a meeting in Baluwatar on Saturday, the Tarai-centre once more warned that they would launch a stir if elections dates were announced without first amending the constitution.

“Elections are mandatory for the implementation of the constitution. The government is well aware that the conclusion of the peace process is the passage of the constitution,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Dahal had called a meeting between three main political parties and the Madhesi Front as a last minute attempt to forge an agreement. However, the Tarai parties stuck to their demand that the second amendment to be passed before announcing election dates.

Stating federalism as the most challenging aspect of the implementation of constitution, Dahal added: “Our main aim is to bring people their rights and resources through federalism. This will make the government system accountable to the people and include neglected communities, while increasing credibility of the government to the people.”

He pleaded political parties, civil servants, government agencies and citizens to contribute from their sectors to strengthen national unity and lead country to prosperity.

A crowd of people had gathered in Tudikhel to watch the program that included games organised by National Sports Council and group dances from three municipalities.

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