Government Spokesman Kamal Thapa said Thursday atmosphere for elections can be created in six to nine months.

“Wait and see. An atmosphere will be created. If political parties are cooperative and positive, and civil society and the media help, we can create an atmosphere for elections in six to nine months. The status quo remains even two years after the dissolution of parliament.”

“Therefore, political parties have to develop a positive outlook. Join the government. Give us six months to one year to resolve the problem and then they can look for an alternative,” Thapa told Nepal Samacharpatra in an exclusive interview Thursday.

“The aim of this government is to restore peace and hold local and national elections,” he said.

“If the Maoist problem is not resolved, it is not necessary that the democratic and constitutional processes should be permanently stalled. We should all work for minimum conditions. After such conditions are created, local and national elections can be held,” he added.

“The Maoist problem is outside the constitution. But elections is the only outlet to resolve problems within the constitution. While holding elections, it will be good if the Maoists seek an outlet through peaceful talks. If they are not forthcoming, the security situation should be improved to hold early elections,” Thapa said.

Thapa dismissed reports of the resignation of the prime minister to untangle the present crisis. “Frequent changes of government is not good for political parties and democracy. There is no reason to change the prime minister. Why should the prime minister resign?” he asked. “Process has started to issue red corner notices against the Maoists,” Thapa said.

“Let me not disclose everything. But the state will do the necessary work,” Thapa said in answer to a query whether government was seeking extradition of Maoist leader C. P. Gajurel from India where he was arrested for traveling on a forged British passport in Chennai.