“We welcome the announcement by the Interim Election Council of Ministers in Nepal that Constituent Assembly elections will take place on November 19th,” said Jennifer R. Psaki, spokesperson for the US Department of State at a daily press briefing in Washington on Friday. [break]
Psaki described the government’s decision as an important step since the dissolution of the previous Constituent Assembly more than a year ago.
“We congratulate the people of Nepal as they prepare for free, fair, and inclusive elections, which are the hallmark of every democracy” Psaki said.
The USA also said that it would remain committed to supporting Nepal’s election preparations, including through voter registration and education and the organization of observer missions.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s one of the donor countries, Norway has congratulated the people of Nepal on the announcement of the fresh CA election.
“Election at this moment in time is crucial to bring Nepal back on track for the continuation of a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Nepal. We therefore also welcome the decision by the political parties to rise above party politics and coming to an agreement that puts the welfare of the nation first,” reads the statement issued by Norwegian embassy in Kathmandu on Friday.
The embassy has said that elections are the backbone of a democratic society to ensure the fundamental right for the people to participate in deciding their own future. The Norwegian government has also urged all citizens of Nepal to use this opportunity to strengthen democracy by exercising their individual right to vote.
“Women and youth constitute more than half the population. We therefore strongly encourage women and youth to let their voices be heard in the coming months, and cast their vote on polling day,” the statement said.
Norway has encouraged all political parties to embrace the priorities and the concerns of women and youth, in the interest of Nepal’s prosperity.
The statement further states that Nepal’s government and all political parties are responsible to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections for the people. Norwegian government has said that it would fully support elections and promises to continue its long-term commitment for peaceful and democratic development in Nepal.
Switzerland has also applauded the government’s decision saying that having completed the necessary electoral legislation and its efforts to ensure that the elections will be impartial, credible and fully participatory.
“Democratic elections are a prerequisite for the consolidation of the transformation of Nepal into an inclusive and democratic federal state. They are also essential for increased effectiveness of development cooperation,” reads the statement issued by Swiss embassy in Kathmandu.
Switzerland has encouraged all political parties to take part in these elections and do everything possible to ensure that the elections are free from intimidation and violence.
The statement has further stated that the election of a new Constituent Assembly provides the political parties in Nepal with a renewed opportunity to promulgate a new democratic and inclusive Constitution as soon as possible.
“Switzerland as a long-standing friend of Nepal stands ready to support this process by providing technical and financial support before, during and after the elections, including by participating in the EU Election Observation Mission,” the statement said.
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