Addressing a function held to mark the 237th Independence Day of the United States of America at his residence on Friday, Bodde said, "I want to stress that holding free and fair election soon is the best way to ensure a democratic, prosperous and inclusive Nepal." [break]
Though Independence Day is observed on July 4, the US embassy in Kathmandu observed it in advance.
The envoy said, “… a country without regular, free and fair elections cannot be considered as democracy. Guarantees of individual rights, including the rights of minorities, a free press and a vibrant civil society are key to maintaining the health of a democratic society."
On the occasion, Bodde also pledged necessary assistance for holding fresh CA elections. “We will continue to work side by side with you on improving democracy and governance and on challenges such as education and gender equity,” he said. “Nepal is also a focus country for President Obama´s development initiatives on food security, maternal and child health and climate change.”
Senior government officials, including Vice President Paramananda Jha, former army chief Chhatraman Singh Gurung, Chief Secretary Lila Mani Paudel and representatives from the diplomatic community, among others, were present at the function.
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