The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has defended its recommendations for the Election Commission saying that it fully abided by its terms of reference and the memorandum of understanding signed with Nepal’s authorities while preparing its report.

The observation report for the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections held in November-December last year drew strong criticism from the Nepal government and the EC after the European poll observation mission recommended removal of Khas-Arya group from the proportional representation system of election.

In response, the EU EOM issued a statement late on Thursday evening made it clear that all the recommendations were offered in a spirit of partnership, for the consideration of the host country.

“It remains up to the appreciation of the Nepali authorities and people to decide on the terms of their constitution and legislative framework,” it said. According to the mission, the assessment and recommendations in the EUEOM’s final report are based on international and regional commitments for democratic elections to which Nepal is a signatory.

“The suggested recommendations were widely consulted and discussed at a roundtable on 28 December 2017,” the mission said.

After the observation mission submitted the report on Tuesday, the government came heavily against it. The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday protested the EUEOM’s suggestions and comments, calling them a direct challenge to provisions of the constitution promulgated in line with the inclusive policy reflective of Nepal’s social structure.

On Thursday, the poll body said it rejected the recommendations put forth by the EU monitoring mission stating that the report violated the MoU signed between the EC and the EU on October 24, 2017 and 12 points of the Election Observation Code of Conduct.