The development partners who have been closely observing recent political developments in Nepal opine that there is no alternative to elections to the Constituent Assembly and it must take place on November 19 at any cost.[break]
In order to help ensure that the polls are held on time and are credible and inclusive, they have urged for the creation of conducive environment and active participation of all political parties and adult franchise.
The international community that has been generously supporting in the development endeavors including in consolidation of democracy, promotion of human rights and good governance in Nepal, has expressed its commitment to render every possible cooperation to the successful conduction of the second Constituent Assembly election.
Ambassador of Norway to Nepal Alf Arne Ramslien has stressed on the election, terming it as very basic process which enhances environment for good governance.
Talking to RSS, he said the election was imperative in order to ensure that Nepal moves towards democracy and strengthening of democratic institutions.
"We are in the process of signing an agreement to the tune of 8 million US dollars to support the elections. In addition to that, we have already supported the Election Commission through UNDP and some 3.5 million US dollars has been provided to the UNDP for that purpose," he said.
Stating that Norway is supporting the Carter Centre that is also focusing election related process and observation, and also contributing as part of the EU Observation Group and IDEA, an inter-governmental organization, the Norwegian ambassador said that his country was also considering support to Local Observation Groups.
On local elections, Ambassador Ramslien said, "As a development partner, we are very concerned about the local elections which are a must and we have noted that all political parties have strongly voiced that local elections have to take place as soon as the CA polls are over. These elections must be held within this Nepali year."
He said local elections are imperative to ensuring socio-economic development and maintaining accountability and transparency at the local level. The local people of Nepal have to be able to exercise their rights to elect their local representatives, he added.
"From our side, there is only one consistent message to the political parties and the Government- that we strongly support the decision to go for CA elections on November 19, if that is not fulfilled as planned, we believe that this will be extremely unfortunate," the Norwegian Ambassador said.
Expressing support to the Government and the Election Commission stating that there is no alternative to elections on November 19, Ambassador Ramslien wished the negotiating partners all the best in reaching mutual understanding on contentious issues for the way forward to elections.
At present I´m very optimistic, the Ambassador said, adding that it seemed the process has gained momentum, which indicates there is no way to go back, which was positive. As far as contentious issues are concerned, we have no opinion and we don’t want to interfere, he clarified.
Similarly, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal, Asko Luukkainen, emphasized the importance of holding the CA election on the slated date.
"In a situation where there is no constitution and no parliament or locally elected bodies, holding the CA polls is of utmost importance. The long standing, you might say non democratic situation in Nepal, is problematic for the donors since we are expected to support countries where democracy prevails. Therefore, the CA elections are welcome and necessary for us but especially for the people in Nepal," Ambassador Luukkainen said.
My understanding is that a huge majority of the Nepalese people are for the elections too, the Finnish Ambassador said, adding that he sincerely hoped that all parties in Nepal will participate in the elections since if they do not, they cannot claim that they enjoy the support of the people. "Only by participating in the elections, a party can measure its popularity," he reminded.
Referring to the cooperation his country is providing to Nepal, Ambassador Luukkainen said, "We are a long standing donor in Nepal and at the moment focusing in education, forestry, rural water supply and sanitation, and human rights and democracy."
"When it comes to CA elections we have already, immediately after the Government announced the date for the polls, given a substantial amount of 325 million rupees to Nepal Peace Trust Fund which will channel it to the support of the CA elections," he said.
Stating that Finland was partly financing the EU election observation team, which includes about 100 persons, he said they would be part of the election observation which will be conducted by the Embassies based in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, development partners engaged in the elections in Nepal via the United Nations Development Programme have reiterated their strong support for Constituent Assembly elections.
While appreciating efforts of all political parties to reach agreement on the final parameters of free and fair elections that will lead to an inclusive Constituent Assembly, they have pledged all possible contributions to the Election Commission.
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