KAHTMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that it is the responsibility of each State to respect the voting rights of the citizens.
Inaugurating the 12th Conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) today, the Prime Minister said the election is the means of demonstrating people’s aspirations and mandate.
“In South Asia, we share many common challenges. From ensuring voting rights and addressing diaspora issues to fostering fair competition and coexistence among political parties, our experiences often run parallel,” he said.
“From movements for independence to struggles for comprehensive democracy, the leaders of South Asia have made unparalleled sacrifices for the cause; we have earned the high esteem of our people,” he added.
However, weaknesses in post-movement management and ineffective service delivery, amidst the high expectations of our citizens, have allowed autocratic and regressive forces to challenge our democracies time and again, according to him.
“Ensuring universal suffrage, and conducting free, fearless, accountable, and transparent elections where governance is determined by the people’s choice, is the only solution to such manipulation against honest and innocent citizens,” he added.
According to him, each citizen shall have to the opportunity to exercise the right to vote no matter where they are.
“Our efforts will be for enabling atmosphere towards that end, he said, adding that it is warranted to work collectively to simplify the election procedures as per the aspirations of the citizens residing at home and abroad among opportunities and challenges induced by migration, climate change and social media,” he added.
“Climate change, as we all understand, is far more than an environmental issue; it touches every facet of our societies. From rising sea levels and melting Himalayan glaciers to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters, the impacts of climate change threaten our ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote,” he said.
He added that “migration, too, presents its own set of unique challenges. The movement of people across borders and within our own countries has profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote.”
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