KATHMANDU, March 22: While taking strong exception to the controversial recommendation made by the European Union Election Observation Mission to exclude Khas/Arya from what it said from quota system, the government has warned the EU mission to refrain from making such uncalled-for comments about political issues that have already been settled.

Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) alleged that such controversial recommendation poses challenge to the constitution promulgated by the sovereign decision of Nepali people.

EU mission in its report on the House of Representatives and provincial assembly elections released on Tuesday said the quota system should exclude groups that are already well-represented, making an indirect reference to the provision made on the Khas/Arya group to ensure that their representation is also equal to their population. “This is arguably in contravention of international standards on equality, as affirmative action measures are foreseen only as a means to promote equality,” insisted the report.

MoFA in its statement said that some of the recommendations and comments of the report not only undermine the successful holding of smooth, peaceful and impartial elections but also go against the scope and norms of international election observation. “This violates the Election Code of Conduct for International Observers of the Election Commission of Nepal as well as the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Nepal and the European Union before the elections,” said the statement.

MoFA also said that these recommendations and comments are a direct challenge to the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal which was promulgated, in line with the inclusive policy reflective of Nepali social structure, by the sovereign decision of the Nepali people. “It is unfortunate that the report has made unwarranted comments about political issues that have already been settled,” it further said, while asking to refrain from making such uncalled for comments in the future.

The statement said that the recent parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were a milestone in terms of the implementation of the constitution as well as the conclusion of Nepal’s peace process. “The Government of Nepal strongly believes that historic elections of House of Representatives and the provincial assemblies, which saw high turnout of voters, were the reflection of Nepali people’s long-cherished aspirations for democracy, progress and stability,” it added.

 
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