Situation worrisome in 23 places

Kathmandu, February 25:

One-third of the citizens are worried about security situation in the run-up to the Constituent Assembly polls, a study conducted by the Democracy and Election Alliance Nepal (DEAN) has revealed.

Presenting the findings of the study, Shubhadayak Shah, DEAN’s chief of operations, said security situation in 23 constituencies, mostly in Tarai districts, is worrisome. Saptari-2 and Dang-2 constituencies are not safe even to enter, Shah said.

Polls are round the corner, but people are not excited because political parties’ political campaigns are snail-paced, he said. The findings of the DEAN study also indicate that only 30-35 per cent of people have taken part in the voters’ civic education campaign conducted by the Election Commission.

Addressing the interaction, former Minister Nilambar Acharya said the government has the tendency to address grievances when people start burning tyres and imposing blockades. He said calls for change should be addressed before they sparks protests. Acharya also lashed out at the agitators and termed general strike an “anti-democratic activity”.

Journalist Yub Raj Ghimire warned that any effort to conduct polls ‘at any rate’ could lead to a civil war-like situation. He criticised the government functionaries for provoking the army unnecessarily. Himalaya SJB Rana cautioned that polls could be delayed further by 5-6 years if they are not held on schedule this time. The postponement can lead to undesired consequences, he said.

The DEAN had covered 209 constituencies in the January 2008 Long-Term Election Observation exercise. The observation could not be carried out in 31 constituencies of 13 districts due to remoteness and lack of infrastructure.