IDPG members encourage efforts to forge political agreement

Published On: April 27, 2017 07:15 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 27: International Development Partners Group, including the United Nations in Nepal, nine embassies diplomatic missions in Nepal and World Bank, issued a press release on Thursday and stated that they encourage efforts to continue to forge a political agreement to enable the participation of as wide a section of the population as possible in the upcoming local election.

"With less than a month left before the scheduled election date, we encourage efforts to continue to forge a political agreement to enable the participation of as wide a section of the population as possible and broaden support to the process. This will bolster the credibility of the elections and facilitate the implementation of the Constitution," stated the press release jointly issued by Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Denmark, Embassy of Germany, Delegation of the European Union, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of France, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of the United Kingdom, Embassy of the United States of America, United Nations in Nepal, World Bank.

Stating that local elections are crucial in revitalizing democracy at the grassroots level and strengthening government accountability, the embassies and agencies urged all parties to mutually respect the freedom of peaceful expression and assembly and individual voters' rights as laid out in constitution and laws. "We also call on the security forces to comply with existing national and international standards when carrying out their duties.

"The international community recognizes the efforts of all stakeholders including the Election Commission, the Government, civil society and the political parties in preparing for the historic local elections in Nepal. It has been two decades since local elections were last held, and Nepalis are keen to exercise their right to elect their local representatives," stated the press release issued by IDPG.