KATHMANDU: The CPN-Maoist Center and the Unified Socialist Party are in negotiations to form an electoral alliance for the upcoming local by-elections, scheduled for December 1.
While both parties are prepared to run independently, they are also open to collaboration where needed at the local level. Efforts are underway to unify the factions within the Samajwadi Front for the 44 constituencies up for election.
A leader from the Unified Socialist Party, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the party has not yet finalized its candidates in all constituencies but remains committed to cooperating based on the specific needs of each locality.
“We have confirmed candidates in only a few areas so far, and decisions are still pending in others. Our priority is to ensure unity among the parties of the Samajwadi Front, and in certain regions, we may coordinate with opposition parties,” the leader said.
So far, the Unified Socialist Party has only confirmed its candidate for the ward chair position in Kirtipur-4. Talks regarding support for the Maoist Center in the mayoral race are ongoing, though no final decision has been made.
After the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML ruled out forming an electoral alliance, the Maoist Center decided to contest the by-elections independently. However, they have expressed willingness to work together with other parties in the Samajwadi Front, including the Unified Socialist Party, particularly in areas where they have strong backing.
The Samajwadi Front, which includes the Maoists, Unified Socialist, and Netra Bikram Chand Biplav's Communist Party of Nepal, is expected to present a united front in these elections. Additionally, discussions are underway to bring the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav, back into the fold. This follows dissatisfaction within the party over Prachanda’s leadership, which has prompted the party to consider rejoining the front for the upcoming elections.
