A statement issued by McGoldrick, on behalf of the international community in Nepal, on Wednesday said they support the people of Nepal to express their views in peace, either as candidates or voters.[break]
“Everyone should respect the democratic right to take part in a peaceful, open and inclusive election,” read the statement. “Bandas or strikes, when enforced by violence or the threat of violence are a violation of the political rights of citizens and against the laws of Nepal.”
It also said that preventing peaceful campaigning by others is also unlawful.
“Parties who have been involved in such actions should respect the universal principle of free elections and the rights of others,” the statement said.
The agitating group of political parties led by CPN-Maoist has announced 10-day general strike starting November 11. The agitating parties have announced to boycott Constituent Assembly polls scheduled for November 19.
The international community applauded the efforts of all stakeholders, including the interim government, the Election Commission, the political parties and the media, to make the electoral process a success.
“Especially we commend the role of thousands of candidates who are conducting their election campaigns abiding by the election code of conduct,” it said. “Many politicians and their supporters are campaigning peacefully and lawfully despite unacceptable threats and disruptions.”
The international community said they were encouraged by the resolve, but also the restraint shown so far by the police, security forces and the home ministry, in providing election security with professionalism in the face of provocation during this sensitive period.
The statement was issued following a meeting of 23 ambassadors convened by the UN Resident Coordinator in Kathmandu last Thursday.
Ambassadors from India, China, the United States of America, European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Switzerland, Australia, South Korea, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, among others, participated in the meeting.
A working group of ambassadors from these countries, which was formed under UN initiatives, has been holding regular discussions on how to support the coming election.
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