Kathmandu, Oct. 11 -- It is the government's job to consult the political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a free and fair elections. But the interim government led by Sushila Karki refrained from directly reaching out to the political parties represented in the dissolved House of Representatives and instead entrusted the ceremonial President with the job.

President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday held a consultation with the political party leaders. This follows a request from Prime Minister Karki on Thursday, in which she asked Paudel to take the initiative.

In the meeting on Friday, Paudel urged the political parties to take part in the elections in order to protect the country, constitution and democracy.

"The very mandate of t...