"We are more democratic and are ready to compete not only in political sense but also in economic and cultural sphere of the  society," he said.

A landmark peace deal signed in November ended Nepal's decade-long civil war, which claimed at least 12,500 lives.

Under the deal, the government has agreed to let the Maoists have 73 seats in a new 330-seat parliament in return for placing their arms and fighters in camps under United Nations supervision.

Both sides have agreed to hold elections next June for a constituent assembly that will permanently rewrite the constitution and decide whether to retain the 238-year-old monarchy.