KATHMANDU, May 21: A local poll observation mission that observed the first phase of local election in various 17 districts has pointed out the need to enhance voter education for the second round of local polls scheduled for June 14.
In the preliminary findings of Local Election Observation Mission-2017 released on Sunday, the Environment, Peace, Security and Social Justice Center (Scope Nepal) said most voters were found lacking proper understanding of the voting process, resulting into invalid votes in most cases.
Poll observer group lauds voter education
“Despite the Election Commission's claim, most voters were found lacking proper understanding about the voting process. Voters were seen confused by the large size of the ballot paper due to overwhelming numbers of candidates as well as different categories to elect representatives, including a female Dalit, a woman and two other candidates,” it said in a press statement.
Scope-Nepal that deployed over 50 observers said the management of polling centers and security arrangements were made to satisfactory level despite congested space in majority of centers. “Behaviors of the polling staff and security personnel were found professional, and representatives of parties were cooperative, and were seen working in friendly environment among themselves,” the statement said.
The body has said that polling went on very smoothly due to Voters' Identify Card, effectively avoiding instances of election fraud. 'The first phase of election has been completed with keen participation of voters with overall turnout of 73 percent.
