Massive use of money and muscle in phase III to influence elections: DECON

KATHMANDU, Sept 21: Democracy and Election Concern Nepal (DECON) has said that money and muscle were massively used in third round of local elections held in the eight districts of Province 2. 

DECON, the poll observing group, said poll campaigners working on behalf of political parties distributed sweets and refreshment in Dhanusha. Party leaders and functionaries, according to observers, were found trying to influence voters through various means including exhortation to cast vote in this or that symbol. 

“Political parties are seen engaged in intense electioneering through the use of money and muscle,” the poll-monitoring group stated in its initial report released on Wednesday.

The DECON also mentioned that flags and other materials used for campaigning in zero hour were not removed despite Election Commission’s repeated calls. It has also stated that polling booths were set up on the school premises where proper care was not taken to ensure the secrecy of the polling. “Locals were seen trying to peep through broken walls into the voting process,” states the report.

The poll observation group, however, stated that the voter turnout was significant and peoples’ desperation toward election process was really praiseworthy. “Voters’ response was unexpectedly overwhelming as if it was the festive celebration. Most of the women who turned up for voting were dressed up beautifully using ornaments and cosmetics,” states the report. 

Around 77 percent voters of the total registered with the election body had voted in the elections. The voter turnout is higher as compared to first and second rounds of elections on May 14 and June 14 respectively. Over 73 percent voter turnout was recorded in both the elections.

The organization had monitored polls in all the eight districts of Province 2, where more than 6, 627 local representatives are getting elected. Its final report will be released once all post-voting related activities conclude.