Kathmandu, December 6:

The “repeated postponement” of the constituent assembly elections “erodes the credibility and affects the process of democratic transformation and legitimisation” in Nepal, the European Union (EU) said today.

“The priority for all must be to rebuild confidence and work together towards credible elections,” EU special representative Pedro Moitinho de Almeida said today.

Speaking to media at the end of a four-day visit here, Almeida said the cancellation of the elections has denied the people the opportunity to express their views. “Since then, the peace process aimed at bringing the Maoists into the mainstream politics and ending a decade-long conflict has lost its momentum,” Almeida added.

Stating that the EU wants to see the peace process back on track, the EU delegation said early elections and a mandate from the people are an essential component of the peace process. The EU delegation suggested political parties here to “remove the obstacles to early elections”.

The Troika assured of continued EU support to the people of Nepal, saying that people here deserve a better future and it is the people of Nepal who should own and lead the peace process.

Urging the government and parties to “honour the agreements and commitments”, the Troika said this should “enable the people of Nepal to choose, without further delay, their own future and the manner of their governance through a free and fair process.”

A Troika statement expressed the EU’s willingness to send an election observation mission to Nepal to support this process.

The Troika also urged the parties to uphold the rule of law and to tackle impunity whether by State or non State actors. Saying that Troika recognises the importance of addressing the future of former combatants, it said the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.

The EU said it supports the work of UNMIN in assisting the parties to hold credible elections and encourages the parties to make better use of UNMIN’s expertise. The EU should support Nepal’s request for an extension of UNMIN’s mandate, it added.