Addressing an interaction programme ´Role of observers for free and fair Constituent Assembly (CA) elections´ organized here on Thursday by National Election Observation Committee (NEOC)-Nepal, Chairperson Regmi described the initiative taken by the political parties (for a dialogue) as a positive move in the welfare of the people. [break]
Noting that the ongoing dialogue process has significantly facilitated the political status, he recalled that the formation of the government was for the purpose of holding election.
He further said that the task of framing a new constitution through the CA election is considered practical and legitimate across the globe as the body of people´s representatives chosen through the election for drafting a fundamental law of the country is broadly accountable to citizens.
Chairman Regmi also said that various actors including the government, election commission and political parties have been making their appreciative efforts to make CA election stated for November 19 a success.
On the occasion, the Chairman appealed to observers´ organizations to create positive environment and ensure professional and neutral monitoring from the very beginning of pre-preparation of the election.
At the programme, UCPN (Maoist) leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha said there is no alternative but to hold election in the slated time even if some political parties do not come to the election.
People are ready for exercising their franchise, he said, adding that efforts will be made to bring the dissenting parties on board of election to a larger extent but election cannot be adjourned by any means.
On the occasion, Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said election had no alternative to end the political vacuity; and the dissenting parties´ demand of abrogation of four-party agreement and dissolution of present government was unacceptable.
He added that no agreement would be forged against November 19 CA elections.
CPN-UML Politburo member Pradip Gyawali said although the big parties would exercise utmost flexibility to hold talks with the agitating ones, postponement of election was impossible. He argued that it would push the country into further crisis.
Tarai Madhesi Loktantrik Party´s leader Hridayesh Tripathi said the election observers should not present themselves as party cadres. He said those against new constitution were propagandizing against the CA election.
National Human Rights Commission member Gauri Pradhan said election should be conducted not based on force but on rationality. Those deemed corrupt, criminal and against human rights must be banned from fielding CA candidacy, he stressed.
Former chief election commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokharel urged the observers to not align with any party in the name of observation.
FNJ Chairman Shiva Gaunle said if the people respected their professional ethics during election, election code of conduct would not be breached.
Related story
Celebrities and models on the same ramp at IEC Designer Runway-...
_20191130084343.jpg)
