The Election Commission has assured that the local level elections will be held in a free and fair manner on the slated date of May 14.

This commitment from the EC was made in a training programme on election and security organised for all the four security bodies of the country to be deputed for the local level elections.

Election Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Shah said the EC was confident about conducting fair elections, noting that there was no major challenges security-wise.

“The security bodies have expressed the commitment to fulfil their responsibility with a high degree of morale,” he said.

Shah directed the security personnel to carry out their works in an integrated and impartial manner while fulfilling the professional responsibility so that a maximum number of voters could cast their votes without any intimidation, fear or threat. 

“Although there are differences among the political parties, the election will not stop now. This election is being held for constituting the sovereign and independent local level government,” he added.

Stating that the training was part of the election preparations, Shah said: “The election is taking place after 20 years, and if the election does not take place, it might be interpreted as a failure in implementation of the new constitution. This election is an exercise in democracy and we all must participate in it.”

Fifteen Nepalese Army officers, 20 Nepal Police officers, 15 Armed Police Force (APF) officers and six officers from the National Investigation Department are taking part in the training. Two officers, each from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs, are also attending the two-day training.

Earlier, inaugurating the training, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhi Prasad Yadav directed making the security arrangements for the elections by assessing the risk and challenges voters might face.

“Security is the basic need of all citizens. It is necessary for all the security bodies to immediately prepare their action plan and deploy down to the local level as the election programme has already begun. The Commission wants that the security agencies also carry out their works in a free and fair manner,” Yadav said.

Balkrishna Panti, joint secretary at the Home Ministry, called on the security bodies to fulfil their responsibilities with the thinking that maintaining security is their responsibility towards the country’s future.

“The Ministry has already prepared the outline of the goal and viewpoint regarding the type of security strategy and arrangements to be adopted in view of the election. The election would not be affected due to the security,” he added.

Prez enquires about election preparations

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday inquired the Election Commission (EC) officials about their preparations for the local level elections slated for May 14.

The President was particularly concerned about holding a free and fair polls in sensitive regions of the Tarai, said Election Commissioner Sudhir Shah.

The EC officials, led by Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav, had briefed the President about the preparations being made to stage the elections.

President Bhandari was also interested in knowing how the EC was ensuring the inclusion of women, Dalit and other disadvantaged groups in the polls.

As per the constitutional provision, there will be 13,360 women, 6,680 Dalit women and 1,751 from among Dalit or minority communities represented in village and municipal councils following the local elections. (PR)