International community lauds consensus efforts

Kathmandu, April 27

The international community has said that it has recognised the efforts of all stakeholders, including the Election Commission, the government, the civil society, and all political parties in preparing for the historic local level elections to be held in May 14 this year in Nepal.

“The international community recognises the efforts of all stakeholders including the Election Commission, the government, the civil society, and the political parties in preparing for the historic local level elections in Nepal. It has been two decades since local level elections were last held in the country, and Nepalis are keen to exercise their right to elect their local representatives,” stated a joint press release issued by the International Development Partners Group.

Stating that the elections were crucial to revitalise democracy at the grassroots level and strengthen government accountability, they urged all parties to mutually respect the freedom of peaceful expression and assembly and individual voters’ rights as laid out in the constitution and the laws.

“We also call on the security forces to comply with existing national and international standards when carrying out their duties,” the release stated.

Various foreign embassies and missions based in Kathmandu including embassies of Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, the UK, the USA, and the EU Delegation, the UN, and World Bank in Nepal had issued the joint statement.

The IDPG also encouraged all efforts to forge a political agreement to enable the participation of as wide a section of the population as possible and broaden support to the process.

They also urged all political parties to mutually respect the freedom of peaceful expression and assembly.

“This will bolster the credibility of the elections, and facilitate the implementation of the constitution,” the release stated.