The Kathmandu-based international community, mainly the countries from the West and Europe, on Wednesday extended congratulations to Nepal for completing the local level polls. 

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the embassies of Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the Delegation of the European Union congratulated the people of Nepal on their participation in the first local elections in 20 years. 

“These elections are an important contribution towards revitalising democracy at the grassroots level,” read the joint statement. “We recognise the government of Nepal and the Election Commission’s significant efforts which have allowed the completion of the complex and technical preparations needed to undertake nationwide elections for the 753 local units. This provides important lessons for future elections.” The last leg of local elections concluded on Monday with people from Province 2 voting to elect representatives for 136 local units. 

The first and second phases of local polls were held on May 14 and June 28 in Provinces 3, 4 and 6 and Provinces 1, 5 and 7 respectively. 

“We encourage the political parties and the government to consolidate the role of the newly elected local authorities so that they can fulfil the promise of decentralization outlined in the constitution,” the statement said. “The dates for the elections to provincial assemblies and the House of Representatives have already been set; these are important steps on the road to the effective implementation of the constitution,” it added. “We trust that these elections will be held in a peaceful, inclusive and broadly supported manner. We reaffirm our commitment to work with all the stakeholders for the further implementation of the constitution and in support of the aspirations of the Nepali people.”