Kathmandu, January 18:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Sahana Pradhan today asked the foreign diplomats here to send observers and media persons to observe and report on the April 10 constituent assembly election.

“We invite observers and media persons to observe the elections so that we can show the world how we hold free and fair elections and shift to the next phase of national building,” she said.

She said this while addressing a briefing programme organised at her office today for the heads of the Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions.

“We believe that an enhanced level of international support on the eve of the election would help strengthen our resolve to make the process a success,” she added.

She informed that the Election Commission has been working in full capacity to prepare for the election and the parties have also geared themselves and are eager to ensure people’s participation for the polls.

“The government will leave no stones unturned to conduct election on the scheduled date,” she said, adding that the government is also committed to further strengthening the security situation in the country by ensuring a stronger presence of government and effective response mechanisms.

She also said that the joint mass meeting of the seven-party alliance, held in the capital on January 14, and the scheduled future mass meetings are positive indications of the parties’ commitment to participate in the election.

Over two dozen dignitaries, representing different embassies and other international organisations attended the briefing, which was followed by an interaction.

The ministry, however, prevented the Press from covering the interaction in which the diplomats asked the minister questions.