The constitutional body on Tuesday decided to caution foreign envoys regarding the issue through diplomatic channels. According EC officials, the EC will send a letter in this regard to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday. [break]
“It is not for them [diplomats] to suggest to the people which sort of political party they should vote for and which they should not vote for,” Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Uprety told Republica.
He maintained that though the chiefs of foreign diplomatic missions have been supporting the EC in creating an environment conducive to elections, it seems they are making remarks that show they are forgetting their ´limits´.
“Our donor friends must not suggest to the people which party should be voted for,” the chief election commissioner said, “This is a job for the political parties and their candidates.”
The EC took the decision a week after German Ambassador to Nepal Frank Mike said at a function in Tanahun district that people should not vote for a political party that enforces bandas.
Instructs Social Welfare Council
In separate instructions to the Social Welfare Council (SWC), the EC has told it to monitor whether or not the activities of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs) are in line with the election code of conduct.
SWC is responsible for overseeing the activities of NGO´s and INGO´s operating across the country. “The commission has enforced a poll code of conduct for the NGOs and INGOs also. So, they should adhere to the code and help to create a favorable environment for the election,” said Uprety.
The chief election commissioner stated that NGOs and INGOs should keep the code of conduct in mind while carrying out their activities.
Asked if the EC instructed the SWC after finding some cases of breach of the election code of conduct by NGOs and INGOs, the chief election commissioner said, “We are just reminding them on time.”
Similarly, the commission has urged all political parties, their sister organizations, trade unions, school teachers, employees at local bodies and college lecturers, among other groups, not to carry out any activities including strikes, vandalization or vehicle strikes that will affect the CA election scheduled for November 19.
The EC has urged political parties, their sister organizations and other professional organizations to behave in a responsible manner and respect citizens´ right to live in a peaceful and fearless environment.
“They might have their demands with the government but we urge them to set aside those demands for the time being and utilize the election as a means to achieve their rights,” Uprety said.
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