Kathmandu, March 28:

The Election Commission today has shown concern over the reports that the Maoist’s armed PLA fighters deserting their cantonments in combat dress and campaigning for the polls.

Issuing a press release, the EC said the EC commissioners held a meeting with UNMIN chief Ian Martin and discussed the issue of PLA fighters deserting camp and campaigning, saying that it could affect to hold the CA election freely.

Martin, talking with commissioners, said that the United Monitoring and Coordination Committee is committed to monitoring the PLA fighters in the cantonments.

Also today, the EC said that the preparation for the constituent assembly election is at the

“final stage”.

The selection of election officers, deputy election officers and other staffers in various districts is going on with their selection being made from various government offices and corporation, institutions being run under the government grants, local bodies and community schools.

“The selected officers should should not show any political inclination and be faithful to perform their duities impartially in the election,” the statement said.

Appreciating the contribution of the government staffers in previous elections, the EC said the staffers should do the needful for conducting the polls successfully and to execute their duties this time, too, as per the EC directives.

Meanwhile in Tanahun, chief election commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel today said that the CA polls should be free of voilent activities. Pokhrel arrived in Damauli to assess the situation of poll preparations in the district.

Speaking to journalists, Pokhrel said: “The EC wants the CA polls be held in a free environment.” The EC is an impartial body, so there lies no question that its motive should be doubted, he said, adding that the polls would be held on April 10 at any cost.

Pokhrel also urged the political parties to abide by the election code of conduct and said the poll atmosphere in the country has energised the people.

Asked if conflicts and disputes among the parties would affect the polls, he said such condition

would not affect the polls. Pointing out the role played by the media in making the polls a success, Pokhrel called on journalists to give maximum coverage to election news.

Asked if Nepal Army personnel would be deployed for the polls, Pokhrel said that this issue is up to the government. The EC would do its best in order to conduct the polls in a free, fair and fearless manner. Pokhrel also inspected the district election office.