KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 14

The apex court order to make voting arrangement for Nepalis abroad is being dilly-dallied with so far as its implementation is concerned.

The stakeholders have also noted that it was feasible to enforce the Supreme Court order.

At a virtual policy dialogue series organised by Nepal Policy Institute yesterday, the stakeholders said the franchise right was possible for Nepali immigrants through the use of technology.

'Wherever they are, those having Nepali identity should be provided with voting right.

The Election Commission has already carried out a study in this regard,' said former chief election commissioner Nilakantha Uprety. He further said, 'The apex court has issued an order to this effect but no action has been taken.' Uprety opined that Nepali people residing outside the country could be included in the voters' roll in coordination with the Election Commission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

'Image and biometrics are taken while issuing passport.

These records are collected also in the course of providing voter ID card,' he further said, adding, 'The Election Commission can obtain these informations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.'

Associate Dean of Kathmandu University School of Management Prof Achyut Wagle said franchise right would continue to remain until passport and citizenship are given up.

'There has been political manoeuvring on the data of Nepali people residing abroad. It is stated that more than four million people are residing outside.

This will adversely affect management,' Wagle noted.

'There is no source to support the data that four million Nepali people are living abroad,' he commented.

'Remittance has substantially contributed to the national economy by maintaining macroeconomic stability.

It has also provided support in enhancing access to nutrition and primary education, and also expanded urbanisation.

So, those making such contributions should in no way be deprived of franchise right,' said senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi.

He further said the State had no option but to implement the apex court decision.

'It may be noted that the apex court had issued an order to make arrangements for Nepali citizens living abroad to cast votes some four years ago. Now we are in a technology-enabled world where voting arrangements can be easily made for people living in any part of the world,' he emphasised.

'The state is only required to show political will to implement the order. There needs to be broader advocacy at the higher level for this,' Tripathi added.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 15, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.