Kathmandu, September 20 

Members of the international community have congratulated the Nepali people on their participation in the first local elections held after 20 years.

Issuing a joint statement, they said the elections were an important contribution towards revitalising democracy at the grassroots level.

“We recognise the Government of Nepal and the Election Commission’s significant efforts which have allowed the completion of the complex and technical preparations needed to undertake nation-wide elections for 753 local units. This provides important lessons for future elections,” read the statement issued jointly by the Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Denmark, Embassy of Germany, Delegation of the European Union, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of the United Kingdom, Embassy of the United States of America.

“We encourage the political parties and the government to consolidate the role of the newly elected local authorities, so that they can fulfil the promise of decentralisation, outlined in the constitution.”

Stating that the dates for the elections to state assemblies and the House of Representatives had already been set, they said these were important steps on the road to the effective implementation of the constitution.

“We trust that these elections will be held in a peaceful, inclusive and broadly supported manner,” read the statement.

The international community also reaffirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders for further implementation of the constitution.