KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nepal undermined Nepal.

Addressing a programme organised by the National Election Observation Committee here, the PM urged the EU to correct its final election report.

The final report of EUEOM had stated: “The design of the proportional quota system, which also includes well represented social groups, such as Khas Arya, among the groups for inclusion, is arguably in contravention of international standards on equality, as affirmative action measures are foreseen only as a means to promote equality.” PM Oli said the EU should not get even with Nepal for its decision to bar some European missionaries from observing the polls.

The PM said the European Union should not underestimate Nepal’s social harmony, constitutional provisions and achievements.

EUEOM unveiled its final report on the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections on March 20.  “The government has asked the EU to correct its report, but it has become more obstinate,” the PM said, adding, “I again want to request it to immediately correct its report.”

He said Nepal’s commitment to democracy was no less than any other country. “Can those who try to lecture us on democracy and inclusion match Nepal’s level of women’s participation in their country?” he asked.

The PM asked the international community to stop undermining Nepali people and stop thinking that Nepal was a poor country and they could do anything to it.

He said Nepali voters were quite aware, adding that 80 per cent voters cast their votes in the recent elections as evidence of their devotion to democracy. The PM said the Election Commission should be empowered and it should play impartial role to boost its credibility.

In its recommendation, EUEOM-N had stressed the need of “reviewing the impact of quota system on ethnic composition of the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies and ensure that measures of affirmative action apply only to groups that are a subject of negative discrimination”.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stated that recommendations and comments made by the EUEOM directly challenged provisions of the Constitution of Nepal, which was promulgated in line with the inclusive policy reflective of Nepali social structure by the sovereign decision of its people.

MoFA claimed that some of the recommendations and comments of the report not only undermined the successful holding of smooth, peaceful and impartial elections, but also went against the scope and norms of international election observation.

(UPDATED)

PM Oli urges EU to correct its report on election observation

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the European Union (EU) to correct its report on election observation mission.

He further said the report was against spirit, norms and provisions of the Constitution of Nepal.

At a programme organised by National Election Observation Committee (NEOC) in Kathmandu, on Sunday, to release the Committee's election observation report, PM Oli said the EU has brought the report hurting the sentiments of the Constitution in the name of election observation.

"I and the Nepali people have felt humiliated by the EU's report. I humbly request the EU to correct it immediately." Oli lamented.

Publicizing religion in the name of observation and extracting revenge for the same in the report is not right, the Prime Minister said while urging all not to harbour any illusion over the fact that Nepal is a sovereign country working for social justice and equality.

He also praised the role played by the Election Commission for successfully holding all three tiers of elections for the implementation of constitution and federalism in the country.

On the occasion, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said that eight elections were conducted in a successful manner in 11 months period despite many problems.

NEOC President Himalaya Shumsher JB Rana expressed the view that voter education was weak and voters were lured financially during the election.