After a long discussion, the seven political parties have come up with foundation for a new alliance. The main points of the new 23-point agreement include the official declaration of Nepal as a federal republic in the constitution and the constituent assembly elections in April. There are also changes in the election procedure. Instead of 240 seats, there will be 335 seats for proportional representation. The council of ministers will nominate 26 people instead of 17 and janajatis who do not have representation will be given space. Investigation of those disappeared, truth and reconciliation, restructuring of the state, scientific land reforms and implementation of the points in the comprehensive peace accord are all notable points.

The deal has dispelled doubt and effectively ended the five-month long debate within the seven-party alliance and now there is hope that elections will happen. We have already lost two previous opportunities, one in mid-June and the other on 22 November. The NC's unwillingness to go to elections was the cause for postponement of the first date and the second time, it was the Maoists. The new agreement takes all of these conditions into account.

For the parties to themselves unite in such a way is a great leap forward. But the government should change its operating style. The Maoists also need to stop anti-social activities. In the past year, YCL has been detrimental to the Maoists. We have come a long way since the twelve-point agreement two years ago.