himalkhabar.com: Why did the seven parties decide to push back the nomination deadline by five days?
Jhalanath Khanal: We had some difficulties about having the elections exactly on 22 November. That is why we had to postpone it by five days. We should be able to resolve problems in five days.

Do you think it is possible in five days for the NC and the Maoists to strike a deal?
If they don't there will be a serious crisis. The situation demands that everyone strive for a compromise. People should understand their responsibilities.

What do you think would be acceptable to both sides?
I don't see any such solution right now. As a system, proportional representation is better. The Nepali Congress could accept that. The Maoists could also accept that a mixed system may be good enough for now.

Is there enough time for a proportional representation election by November?
If there is an agreement, sure it is possible. No question about it.

And if you can't agree in the next five days?
It will be unfortunate. The violence and deaths of the past 11 years could resume. But we're not thinking of a scenario without an agreement. After all, we waded across a flood of blood to get here. If we could come this far with our agreements, there is no reason why we can't agree on the present issue.

However, the NC and the Maoists must understand the seriousness of the problem.