KATHMANDU, Oct 18: Chiefs of all four national security agencies have assured President Ramchandra Paudel and the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki of their full preparedness to ensure a peaceful, fair and fearless election environment across the country.
In a high-level meeting held on Saturday at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, the heads of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the National Investigation Department expressed confidence in their ability to maintain law and order throughout the election period.
They said that they have experience of holding elections in even more difficult circumstances in the past.
“The security agencies are fully prepared to create a fearless environment and handle any challenges that may arise during the election,” the officials collectively told the meeting, according to the President’s Office.
Acknowledging the security agencies’ readiness to hold the poll in a free and fair environment, President Paudel directed both the government and the security forces to act ‘boldly and decisively’ in upholding peace and ensuring a secure and impartial electoral process.
He urged the security chiefs to maintain law and order and prevent fear or disruption. He emphasized the need to restore public confidence, particularly in light of recent incidents of unrest.
President Paudel also called for the immediate return of weapons looted and recapture of escaped inmates after September 9 Gen Z unrest.
“The government and security agencies must instill confidence among political parties and the public that the election will be held in a free and fair environment,” said the President.
Prime Minister Karki also assured the security agencies that the interim government was all prepared to do everything in its power to support the election process. She pledged full cooperation, resources, and coordination to the security bodies.
The meeting also focused primarily on the current security scenario, the electoral environment and inter-agency coordination to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
With inputs from RSS.