Kathmandu, Oct. 17 -- Despite reiterated commitments from the government and the Election Commission, political parties have voiced their scepticism about free and fair elections.

Expressing their views during a consultation on Thursday organised by the commission for the March 5 snap polls, representatives of various parties complained that the Sushila Karki administration has failed to create an environment conducive to the vote.

Setting the tone for discussions, acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari urged all the political parties to participate in the elections being held in the changed political context, assuring that the commission is working to create an environment for timely polls.

Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, sp...