-Urges all to participate in polls without fear
-Says election is a test for all democratic forces
-Asks Madhes parties to take a wise decision
-Assures the polls will be free and fair
-Seeks support of international community 
KATHMANDU, Mar 1: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the Madhesi people to utilize the upcoming local level election as an opportunity to express their grievances.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, a week after the government announced the date for local polls which are being held after a gap of two decades, Prime Minister Dahal said, “The local election is an opportunity for Madhes to express grievances and this opportunity should be utilized.” 

The Prime Minister also said that the government is confident that the Madhes-based political parties will take a 'responsible' decision rather than being guided by their whims.
 
In the televised address made from his office at Singha Durbar, Dahal said that the upcoming election is a test not only for him as the prime minister but also for all political parties, democracy and the whole nation.
 
Asking everyone to take part in the election without any hesitation, suspicion or fear, Dahal also urged the political parties for a healthy competition in the poll. The prime minister further said that he felt proud to announce the local polls which haven't been held for the last two decades. 

The prime minister also urged the Madhesi and Tharu communities to understand the statutory deadline of concluding all three sets of elections - local, provincial and federal - by January 2018. 

On a different note, Prime Minister Dahal said that the government will do everything at its disposal to take the constitution amendment bill to a logical conclusion. “I want to assure everyone that the government is committed to amending the constitution as well as holding the local election in its bid to enhance the acceptance of the constitution and strengthen national unity,” said Dahal.

Stating that some regressive forces which are responsible for the suppression in Madhes in the past have been plotting against the achievements like federalism, republicanism and secularism, the prime minister urged the Madhesi people not to be a part of such ploys.

Claiming that some elements are trying to fuel the feeling of secession in Madhes by provoking the Madhesi people, Dahal warned that the government will not tolerate such extremism in any part of the country. 

Dahal further said that he expects support and cooperation from the international community for concluding the historic election to bring women, Dalits and other marginalized groups to leadership positions. He also claimed that the upcoming local poll will be a milestone for women empowerment and open the doors for economic prosperity and socialism in the country. 

 
• pushpa kamal dahal
 
• madhesi people
 
• local level elction
 
• express grievances