UML objects to decision on counting, budget

KATHMANDU: The main opposition CPN-UML has objected to the Election Commission's decision to begin counting of votes soon after the first phase of local level elections and let the government present the fiscal budget before the second phase of election.

A delegation, led by UML's Parliamentary Party deputy leader Subas Nembang, on Wednesday called on Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav and commissioners and drew their attention towards the potential influence that vote counting and budget would make on the elections that will be held in the second phase.

On the occasion, EC commissioners were asked to pay attention towards sensitivity, credibility and reliability of the elections.

The delegation expressed its disapproval to the government and EC decision to revise the election schedule and to conduct the elections in two phases with a 'long-gap' without consulting the party.

On the occasion, the delegation stressed on the EC's responsibility to maintaining credibility and impartiality of elections.

Stating that the party was geared up for the elections by respecting the earlier decision to hold the election in a single phase on May 14, the UML delegation dubbed the announcement to conduct elections in two phases abrupt and wrong.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, Nembang claimed that the government plan to announce the budget on May 29 between the two phases of elections would violate the election code of conduct.

A wave of election is sweeping across the country, he said, at this backdrop the proposal to increase the number of local levels will not be acceptable to the UML.