Miscellaneous
EU launches poll observation mission
The European Union has launched the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the elections to the House of Representatives and the Provincial Assemblies.The European Union has launched the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the elections to the House of Representatives and the Provincial Assemblies.
The EU is one of the international election observers invited by the Election Commission along with the Carter Centre to observe the elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7. The Election Commission did not invite international observers for the local level elections that were held over three phases.
Chief Observer Željana Zovko, a member of the European Parliament representing Croatia, officially launched the mission on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference after the launch, she said the elections on November 26 and December 7 mark an important stage in Nepal’s democratic development. “I very much hope that our presence will contribute to an inclusive and transparent electoral process,” Zovko said.
The mission said that it has the mandate to observe all aspects of the electoral process and to assess the extent to which the elections are in the compliance with the laws of Nepal, as well as with international and regional commitments for democratic elections to which Nepal is a signatory.
Financing of the election campaigns and inclusion would also be the part of observation, the mission said in a statement. A 10-member EU EOM team has been working in Nepal since October 25.
The issue of inclusion will be assessed based on Nepal government’s commitment to international human rights laws, constitution of Nepal and social justice principle, it said.
Thirty-eight long-term observers will be deployed in 63 out of 77 districts where they will observe the election preparations and campaign, the mission explained. The long-term observers will meet election officials, candidates and representatives of civil society and send reports to the core team in Kathmandu.
On November 26, it will mobilise 20-short term observers to take stock of the election proceedings. They will be join by another 24 observers for the second phase of elections and counting of votes, the mission said, adding it would be actively coordinating with domestic and international observers for the purpose.
A preliminary statement on its initial findings will be issued upon the completion of the elections and comprehensive reports afterwards, said the EU EOM, which is spending 3.5 million euros (Rs421 million) for this mission.