CEC urges parties to launch poll campaign

Pokhara, August 14:

Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel today urged all to make the constituent assembly election a success.

Pokhrel was inaugurating the western regional “training of trainers” on the polls in Pokhara.

Pokhrel said that all sides of the state should actively work to make the polls a success.

The Election Commission has completed preparations for the polls, he said, adding: “Everybody’s attention should be on the polls as there are only 99 days left for the same.”

He also said that the election code of conduct will be issued soon.

Pokhrel said political parties should immediately launch election campaigns.

The EC will mobilise 225,000 staffers for the polls, he said, adding that other manpower necessary would be managed by appointing volunteers locally.

A decision related to election observers will be taken soon, he said.

While the Carter Centre has approached the EC for a role of an observer, the European Union has said it would inform the EC on the issue very soon.

The EC has contacted several foreign organisations for their role as poll observers, Pokhrel said.

Altogether 64 government officials, including election officers of 16 districts of the western region, are attending the training.

Also today, Pokhrel said that the unrest in the Tarai has been affecting the EC’s activities.

“A joint effort can help solve the problem,” he told a press conference organised by the Kaski chapter of Press Union Nepal.

“Though the report of the Constituency Delimitation Commission has not been submitted yet, it will not hinder the election programmes,” he said.