A top-level meeting of the ruling eight parties Tuesday afternoon ended inconclusively with the parties sticking to their respective positions regarding key political issues including the date for constituent assembly election, electoral system and amendment in the interim constitution.

As usual, the eight-party meeting began late at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, at around 4:30 pm, and ended within two hours. The top leaders will meet again Thursday afternoon.

Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) president Girija Prasad Koirala did not show up during today’s meeting. Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, NC (Democratic) vice-president Gopalman Shrestha, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Sherchan, Bharat Bimal Yadav of Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandi Devi) and United Left Front leader C.P Mianali participated in the discussion.

After yesterday’s meeting, leaders had said that today’s meeting was very likely to reach consensus on the CA election date, electoral system and resumption of parliamentary proceedings. According to them, the leaders were positive about the suggestion of the Nepali Congress that CA polls be set for the Nepali month of Mangsir (November-December).

The UML remains firm on its stance for proportional voting system whereas the Nepali Congress and the Congress (Democratic) are in favour of mixed electoral system.