KATHMANDU, Oct 20: Former Chief Election Commissioner Surya Prasad Shrestha has accused the political parties of trying to curtail the free conscience of the voters by forming alliances.

Speaking at an interaction program on 'Fair Elections in Parliamentary System' organized by Tanka Prasad Acharya Memorial Foundation on Wednesday, he said that alliances are natural in politics, but alliances before the polls will make voting difficult.

He also said that the parties have done injustice to the community by reducing the participation of women, Dalits, indigenous tribes, minorities etc. in the candidature. He said that no one should disturb the system of parliamentary development, adding that now the system of parliamentary development is being disturbed. He said that the right of the voters to use their free conscience has also been restricted. He also said that the parties have done injustice by reducing the number of women participation to nine percent, which, as per the constitution, should be at least 33 percent.

In the program, former Chief Election Commissioner Neelkantha Upreti said that there is a need to improve the electoral system. He said that the alliance of political parties has also affected the conscience of the voters.

He argued that the multi-party system cannot be strengthened by creating a mandatory situation for voters to vote. Similarly, he said that the election code of conduct should be made by the political parties rather than by the Election Commission.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Upreti said that there is a need to reduce election expenses and modernize election work.

 
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