EC briefs UN representatives on election preparations

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission of Nepal briefed the representatives of United Nations bodies on its overall preparations for the upcoming local-level elections.

Representatives of the UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and World Food Programme were invited at the EC central office on Friday to share with the information regarding the preparations ongoing for  May 14 local level elections.

On the occasion, the representatives put forth queries about the collection of voters' name list, arrangements made for the convenience of voters with disabilities, women's representation in the election and election supervision system including others.

Provisions made for bringing people of socially backward communities and of far-flung areas to a voting process and overall election preparations were also their concerns.

On the occasion, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav expressed his hope that Nepali people would get the government at a local-level after the local-level elections when the country is in the phase of the implementation of republic and federalism.

"Nepal has recorded big political and constitutional strides in its history and election preparations have neared the final phase," he added.

EC Joint Secretary Nawaraj Dhakal said he hoped the upcoming local level elections would prove a milestone in view of the implementation of Constitution, including federalism.

The EC briefed the development partners associated with the UN about the registration of voters' name and political parties, voters' education programmes, the total number of eligible voters, polling stations and centre, provisions made for encouraging people with disabilities and visual impairment for voting and the overall election preparations.