Kathmandu, April 29:

The Swiss delegation led by Heidi Tagliavini, Deputy Secretary of State at the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that conducting free and fair polls promptly was one of the challenges Nepal was facing currently.

Wrapping up its five-day visit to Nepal yesterday, the delegation also promised Switzerland’s continued support to the peace process.

“The most burning challenges are to ensure security and to promote development, and conduct the election to the constitution assembly in a climate of free and fair competition among the political parties,” stated a press statement issued today by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.

The delegation underscored the importance of constituent assembly election that allows for a substantial inclusion of women and all minorities in the writing of the new constitution. It also highlighted dialogue as a solution to the Madhesi problem and role of the Tarai residents in the process of drafting the constitution.

“Switzerland is confident that this process can be continued, to consolidate peace, build a new inclusive state and restart economic and social development,” said the statement.

It said that Switzerland will continue to support Nepal’s peace process with all the instruments at its disposal — the diplomatic, political and of development cooperation — in close collaboration with the UN and like-minded countries.

It promised to make efforts to reduce poverty. The Swiss delegation met PM Girija Prasad Koirala, leaders and the representatives of Janajatis and Madhesis.