KATMANDU, Nov 17: Worried by the series of attacks on election candidates, the Election Commission (EC) has urged the government to ensure foolproof security for parties, candidates, campaigners and voters by adopting all possible measures for making the upcoming elections a success.
Stating that it is seriously concerned over the recent poll violence in different parts of the country, the election body has urged the government to take immediate actions so that an environment conducive for polls could be created. "We sincerely urge the government to adopt security precautions in time," the EC said in a statement issued after former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat and Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara and former Speaker Onsari Gharti among others were attacked in Nuwakot and Ropla respectively.
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Election Commissioner Narendra Dahal said the repeated attacks on candidates are serious and have drawn the attention of the election body. Commissioner Dahal, however, said the elections will take place on the scheduled date.
"We are concerned over the recent incidents. But there is no possibility of deferring or postponing the elections because of these incidents. The government must act tough to check such attacks," said Commissioner Dahal requesting the government to provide foolproof security of party candidates, poll campaigners and voters. He also stressed the need for keeping election materials safe.
Cases of violent attack on candidates have been increasing in recent days. Earlier last week, the EC had urged the chiefs of security agencies and secretaries dealing with the security affairs to ensure foolproof security for the polls.
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