KATHMANDU, July 7: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has said that the Election Commission (EC) is reviewing and assessing the managerial woks of the first and second phases of the local level polls.
At a program organized to release the preliminary report of the elections observation by different organizations here Friday, he said that elections were held in a historic manner and the turnout was exciting despite unfavorable weather condition and EC's obligation to repeatedly put back the polls date.
The EC held sufficient consultations with the government, political parties, civil society, security bodies and the media in regard to the polls, he said, adding there are several rooms of reforms in voters' education and to make the polls free, fair and fearless.
Dr Yadav said that the EC was expecting supports from all to make the upcoming province assembly and federal elections exemplary.
"Though the federal and provincial polls could be held in a single phase, it is not likely due to voters' number, technology, electoral principle and logistical perspective," he added.
The EC has already sent a letter to the government to fix the date of the provincial elections in the second week of October and the federal election in the third week of November.
On the occasion, Dr Yadav said that so far Rs 5.54 billion has been spent for the two phases of the local polls adding that the amount is Rs 488 per voters.
"Remaining Rs 3 billion has been sent back to the government and no financial assistance from the foreigners was taken for the local level elections," the Chief Election Commissioner said.
On the occasion, Chairman of General Election Observation Committee Himalaya Shumsher Rana said that the elections were held almost in a peaceful, free and fair manner though there were minor scuffles and incidents of ballot-tearing in some areas.
Similarly, Chairman of General Election Observation Committee (GEOC) Surya Prasad Shrestha said that the media contributed much by giving due space for creating polls environment.
The report with nine-point recommendations includes making the electoral process modern and tech-friendly, framing timely election laws, conducting the voters' election effectively and distributing the voters' identity cards on time. RSS
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