The parties are finally moving. There seems to be a recognition that an election-conducive environment must be created relatively quickly. A constant reminder from the parties and civil society is that "no election in Nepal has ever been held under ideal conditions."

The UML started planning its campaign strategy at its central working committee meeting two weeks ago. The two Congresses are intensifying their unification drive. The Maoists, busy with their verification troubles, are second-guessing the elections based on the ongoing violence in the tarai. But even they are expected to chart out a plan for the elections at their meeting next week of high level party workers and 'PLA' commanders.

The janajatis feel they are close to a deal. "The government has assured us that the current electoral law actually works, and for now we are ready to accept that," Pasang Sherpa, president of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, told us.

The focus is the madhes, though, and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula's ultimatum to the armed factions has not been heeded yet. But a strong consensus is emerging among the eight parties that a more diplomatic approach in the tarai could help kickstart those talks.

The MJF is talking again with the government this week, and most of its demands have already been fulfilled. With the MJF on board, "the armed factions in the tarai can either be talked to or be bought," says a commentator.

A flexible approach to negotiations with all agitating fronts accompanied by election programs in the villages could help bring the situation closer to normal. "Security is also psychological," says Narhari Acharya of the Nepali Congress adding, "security forces alone don't make people feel safe, the political parties have to go door-to-door to make them feel that this is for real." At least initially, the eight parties could hold joint programs to build up the psychological momentum for an election.

The parties are being outwardly cautious about the elections because of the uncertainty of how they will fare. The UML seems to be sensing that the tide is turning in its favour, while the NC and the CPN-M are uncertain. The two Congresses need to be unified, and the Maoists are making overtures to the UML for leftist unity.

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