National
EC harbours poll deferral fears
The Election Commission (EC) has expressed concerns that the ongoing processes of forming new electoral alliances by the parties could affect the planned federal and provincial elections.The Election Commission (EC) has expressed concerns that the ongoing processes of forming new electoral alliances by the parties could affect the planned federal and provincial elections.
The EC is particularly concerned about the possible attempt to reshuffle the Cabinet or the possibility of a no-confidence motion against the government, saying such moves could affect the polls which have been scheduled for November 26 and December 7. Issuing a press release on Friday, the EC asked the government, parties and the concerned stakeholders not to indulge in activities that could affect the elections.
“We are concerned by the possibility of any attempts to postpone the polls,” said Election Commissioner Sudhir Shah. “We have reached an understanding that the EC will not accept any proposal from the government intending to postpone the polls,” said Shah.
A day after the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre) announced a left electoral alliance, the Nepali Congress on Wednesday initiated process to form a “democratic alliance”. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is learnt to be under pressure from NC leaders to sack Maoist ministers. If Deuba does so, many believe the two left forces could move a no-confidence motion against him, which the EC fears could jeopardise the upcoming polls.