KATHMANDU, Dec. 16 -- Top leaders of the ruling parties have started holding informal discussions to elect a non-political person as the new president of the country.

Multiple leaders belonging to the ruling parties including Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (Maoist Center) that Republica talked to confirmed that preliminary discussions are currently underway to elect a 'non-political' person as president as practiced in other countries including India. "There has not been any decision yet on this. I can confirm to you that discussions to this end are currently underway to elect a 'non-political' person as a new president," said a senior NC leader, asking not to be named.

Sources said both the NC and Maoist Center are positive about the ide...