KATHMANDU: Nepal’s former Maoist rebels rejoined the interim government on Sunday, two days after parliament voted to abolish the monarchy, ending three months of deadlock that had threatened to derail the peace process.

The Maoists quit the government in September demanding the monarchy be immediately abolished and a system of proportional representation introduced for upcoming elections.

The cabinet they have rejoined is now supposed to hold the twice-postponed elections for an assembly meant to draw up a new constitution to cap the peace process.

“The first priority of this government is to hold the constituent assembly elections,” said Maoist member Dev Gurung, after being appointed as minister for local development on Sunday.

“Necessary laws will have to be made or amended to conduct the elections. That may take a few days after which the government will announce the new date for the polls.”

A government statement said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had added seven Maoist nominees to his multi-party government, five as cabinet ministers and two as junior ministers.

The new ministers will be sworn in by 83-year-old Koirala on Monday, state-run Nepal Television said.—Reuters