There were varying reactions to the postponement of the June elections. The people of Nepal were sceptical, and wondered if the Constituent Assembly election would ever be held—mainly because of their past experience of the perpetual postponement of elections. There were reports that a joyous celebration had taken place in the Narayanhiti Palace. The last time the Constituent Assembly election was postponed, it was never rearranged.

The international community reacted variously. India was disappointed that Nepal's transition had stalled indefinitely, while others in the West, including UNMIN, were relieved that the election preparations would not be rushed.

The Maoists appeared the most agitated by the delay. Maoist cadres and combatants from the UN-monitored cantonments protested against the postponement—alleging that a conspiracy was brewing, which would completely derail the Constituent Assembly polls. Chairman Dahal said, “The delay in the election announced by the Commission heralded a great misfortune for the nation.”

One effect of the delay was an increase in the activities of the royalists. King Gyanendra met with pro-monarchy political leaders, intellectuals, journalists and civil society members, and clandestine royal audiences were given to the emerging ethnic community leaders from the Madhesi and Janjati groups. Former and present army generals were also seen in the Palace precincts.