Maoists cross century mark, close to majority

Heading towards a landslide victory in the historic Nepal polls and poised to form the next government, the Maoists on Monday crossed the 100-mark by winning 101 seats out of the 181 results declared so far.

On the fourth day of counting for the 240 directly elected seats, the former rebels continued to out perform their rivals in most of the remaining constituencies. The Nepali Congress, which dominated the political scene in the Himalayan nation for decades, was lagging behind with only 31 seats and CPN-UML came third with 25 seats.

Poll analysts say it will be difficult for the Maoists to get clear cut majority in the 601-seat assembly in which 575 are elected and 26 are nominated by the new Councils of Ministers.

The former rebels, who have got 42 per cent of the total 240 seats, still need at least 288 seats to get clear majority in the 575-total if direct and proportionate voting is combined.

The CPN-Maoist is, however, emerging as the single largest party with the mandate to lead the next government.

Among the Terai parties, who are seeking greater autonomy for the region dominated by ethnic Indians, Madhesi People's Rights Forum has got 16, Terai Madhes Democratic Party 4, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party 2, Janamorcha Nepal, Sadbhavana Party and Independent one each.

So even if Maoists get 121 seats out of 240, which is more than 50 per cent, they still need 168 seats out of the 335 seats under proportionate voting system to get clear majority.

Under proportionate voting, it is almost impossible for the Maoists to get 168 or 50 per cent seats as total proportionate votes will be divided among many political parties.

Meanwhile, Maoist leader Prachanda has said his party will develop a 'new relation' with the Indian leadership.

It is 'quite important' to have very good neighbourly relations with India, he said on Sunday, adding, "A good understanding with New Delhi can create a new basis of unity with India".

Prachanda also met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at his residence at Baluwatar and expressed willingness to work with him in the near future.