KATHMANDU: Even though the Election Observation Directive 2078 BS has a provision to allow international observers to observe the election, the Election Commission (EC) will not allow them to observe the local elections this time.

Considering the past practice, the Election Commission has made a strategy of not allowing foreign observers to observe the local level elections this time as well.

The EC is holding local elections on May 13.

Commission spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel said, “Currently, the observation guideline issued by the EC will cover all elections, but despite the provision in the directive to allow foreign bodies to observe, in the current local elections, the EC will only involve national bodies and observers.”

The supplementary directive of the Election Observation Directive 2078 BS, and the International Election Observatory Directive 2022, has a provision to allow foreign organizations and observers to observe the election.

The EC has the right to allow national or international organizations to observe the election.