KATHMANDU, June 5: Election Commission (EC) has drawn the attention of the government over its decision to dissolve the District Election Offices across the country. 

By inviting Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to the EC Office at Kantipath on Monday, the EC expressed concern over the dissolution of the District Election Office through the annual budget statement for the Fiscal Year 2023/24.

In the budget statement for the next fiscal year, the government said that it will adopt austerity measures by cutting expenses and making arrangements to replace the District Election Office with a unit within the District Administration Office.

The EC has objected to the dissolution of the District Election Offices without holding any discussion and consultation with the EC.

EC  Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel said that Chief Election Commissioner of Election Commission Dinesh Kumar Thapalia brought to the attention of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Shrestha that the EC is miffed with the government’s decision.

Sharma argued that it is not permissible to abolish the offices under the Election Commission without any discussion, consultation and preparation with the EC. He said that some responsibilities have been assigned to the EC by provision in the constitution itself to have branch offices of the EC. 

Sharma said, "The Chief Commissioner has drawn the attention of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to the issue of abolishing the District Election Commission." 

 
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