EC’s preparations for election in war footing; Periodic elections strengthen democracy: CEC Yadav

Kathmandu / Feb 27: After the government announced the date for local election for coming May 14, the Election Commission has been making preparations for the same in full swing.

The EC has intensified preparation for local election in war footing, said Secretary at EC, Gopinath Mainali, adding that collection of election materials and technical accessories, management of human resources has reached the final stage.

He said, “Efforts are on to import various essentials as ballot box, paper, inerasable ink and seal as done in the past elections. There are however 70,000 ballot boxes with EC. Discussion is underway on the ways of bringing additional ballot boxes. It will be decided within two days.”

According to him, there would be some 21,000 polling stations. Similarly, some 90,000 ballot boxes will be required.

The compilation of voters’ list and arrangement in order has also entered final stage, he said, adding that it was however essential for EC to get the final report of the local level restructuring commission. The EC has urged the government to immediately provide the commission’s report. The government has responded to provide in a week, added Secretary Mainali.

Moreover, the EC was planning to provide orientation to voters and has called on all media and political parties for help. “Now, election will be held at any cost. I can’t think that election was impossible,” he underscored.

Four essential laws required for the election have been passed. And in case of other laws as about political parties, there was ultimate step that the rights of removal of difficulties could be used in line with the provisions of the laws relating to Election Commission.

He shared that there would be different ballot paper as per the number of political parties and candidates. For Tarai districts and Kathmandu Valley, a large size ballot paper would be used. “Although there are challenges galore as the country is holding the local election at once for the first time. It can be managed,” he expressed confidence.

The Janak Education Materials Centre has been assigned to print ballot papers.

To accomplish this grand national task, assistance from all sides- media, civil society, political parties-is essential, he pointed out. The election code of conduct is coming into effect from Wednesday.

Although it was reported earlier of the use of electronic voting machine, the chance of this is slim this time too.

Periodic elections strengthen democracy: CEC Yadav

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav has asserted that periodic elections strengthened democracy.

Addressing the opening session of the Nepal Jaycees Leaders’ Programme here today, he said, “Efforts have to be made for strengthening the rule of law. Although we have a constitution at present, there is lack of rule of law.”

The Chief Election Commissioner urged the youth to exercise their right to franchise as they are the foundation of change.

“Take the voting right not as choice but as your duty. Doing so would help in upholding the rule of law,” he said, adding that since the youths are the future leaders of the parties they should shun showing double standards.

CEC Yadav stated that the sister organisations of the political parties are being informed about the voter education in connection to the May 14 local election.

He also called upon the youth to dissuade from the tendency of contesting election on the basis of ‘moneyfesto’ and to support the tendency to do so on the basis of ‘manifesto’.

Around 500 Jaycees’ office-bearers from across the country are attending the programme. RSS