KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has conducted an orientation programme for national election observer organisations, focusing on election management, legal frameworks and the code of conduct ahead of the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5.
During the programme, Election Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Rajendra Kumar KC delivered a presentation on the management of the HoR elections for 2082 BS, detailing polling stations and centres, vote counting procedures, and the election schedule and programme.
Similarly, Law and Party Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai briefed participants on the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS. Joint Secretary Gyanhari Ghimire presented on the constitutional provisions related to the House of Representatives and the electoral system, and also outlined the roles and responsibilities of election observers.
The programme was attended by chiefs and representatives of 37 national observer organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with Commissioners Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sagun Shumser JB Rana, and Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut, stressed that election observers must have a clear understanding of Nepal’s Constitution and electoral laws.
They underscored the need for observers to submit reports on pre-election, election-day and post-election activities to the Election Commission.
Observers were also instructed to strictly follow the Election Code of Conduct, refrain from misusing vehicle passes, avoid favouring or opposing any political party, not raise unnecessary questions at polling stations, and not obstruct the duties of election officials.
According to the EC, 37 national observer organisations and three international observer organisations have been granted permission to observe the upcoming HoR elections.
Comment