July 18, 2008	Friday	Rajab 14, 1429

KATHMANDU, July 17: The list of potential candidates for Nepal’s first elected head of state was narrowed down to three on Thursday with the country’s warring political parties each putting a name forward.

The three men, all named Ram after a revered incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, are vying for a largely symbolic post that is likely to take over some of the ceremonial duties previously carried out by Nepal’s abolished king.

Manohar Prasad Bhattarai, chief election commissioner for the presidential election -- which will take place by secret ballot on Saturday -- said no more names could be added but candidates could withdraw their nominations.

“Three names for the presidential candidacy have been filed,” Bhattarai said.

Ramraja Prasad Singh, who was arrested in 1985 for throwing a small bomb at parliament as part of an anti-royal protest, confirmed he was the presidential candidate backed by the majority-ruling Maoists.

“I’m very happy that Maoists have supported my candidacy for president,” said Singh, who is not a member of the Maoist party.

“I am the first person to seek the dream of a republic in Nepal.” None of the parties have put forward high-profile candidates.

Analysts say the Maoists went for a lesser-known candidate so that the position does not become a powerful one.

The impoverished Himalayan nation has effectively been without a proper government since May 28.—AFP