Kathmandu, August 24:

Civil society representatives today urged the political parties to work to create an environment conducive for holding a free and fair election to constituent assembly.

They also warned the parties that Nepal would lose credibility in the international front and the government would lose legitimacy if the constituent assembly polls are not held on the scheduled date.

Participating in an interaction at the Election Commission, the civil society members also told the government to act immediately to improve the law and order situation.

“The countdown for the CA polls has begun, but the parties are still in confusion,” said Kapil Shrestha, former member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

He said that the civil society was ready to assist in whatever way possible, but the political parties needed to get ready.

Former minister Nilambar Acharya said that the environment for an election would not be created until the eight parties improved relation among themselves.

He appreciated the Election Commission’s works, but said: “The environment for election has not been created in the capital, what to talk about the environment in villages?”

Subodh Pyakurel, a human rights activist, suggested the EC to seek help from the civil society to educate voters. He also urged the EC to create a mechanism through which the international and domestic observers could work in coordination.

The eight parties will lose mandate to stay in the interim government and the parliament if they fail to conduct the CA polls on November 22, said Shyam Mandal, a politician.

Villagers are wondering why the civil society should be active for the CA election when the political parties are not ready, Arjun Bhattarai of NGO Federation said.

Human rights activist Purshotam Dahal said that the people in Panchthar were least concerned about the CA polls.

Women Rights activist, Shanta Thapaliya, warned the political parties that the people do not want them to stay in the government if they won’t be able to fulfil the promises they made.

Chief Election Commissioner, Bhoj Raj Pokhrel, said that the EC has done all it can to make the CA polls successful. Appraising on the latest update on election preparation, Pokhrel said that the EC was planning to establish a unit for election observers, a media centre and a media-monitoring unit. He added that the voters’ education materials are being prepared in 16 languages.

Pokhrel also urged the NGOs and other concerned to use the education materials so that the voters get accurate information.

CEC Pokhrel assured students that the election will take place on the scheduled date and told them to coordinate with leaders to create a conducive environment.