Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections not possible in single phase: CEC Yadav

Kathmandu / Jul 1: Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav on Saturday has clarified that parliamentary and provincial assembly elections can not be held in single phase owing to legal, constitutional and managerial perspective.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Reporters Club in the Capital Yadav has stressed that due to voters name-lists, managerial and constitutional perspective two elections cannot be held in single phase at any cost. “Two elections cannot be held at one time, but can be held in short time frame gap,” Yadav added.

“EC acts as per the Constitution of Nepal, provincial assembly elections should be held first, national assembly and parliament elections simultaneously as there are women representations in the National assembly,” CEC Yadav clarifed.

Yadav further said that the Election Commission should hold all the elections before January 21, 2018 as per the Constitution of Nepal.

“EC has sought new laws related to provincial and parliament elections be enacted within this month, constituency delimitation for electing 165 parliament members should be ready by July 30,” Yadav added. “EC urge political parties to register on time; to design and printing of ballot papers, review of act related to voters name-lists, frequent update of voter,” Yadav emphasised.

Yadav also said that Election Commission is committed for holding provincial elections in first week of October, National assembly election and Parliament elections by November.

CEC Yadav also said that more than 30 per cent vote counting is over and EC would announce the results of the second round of local level elections within five days.

The second phase of the local polls was held in province number 1, 5 and 7 in 35 districts for selecting local representatives at 344 local bodies on June 28.

Meanwhile, Yadav also said that the preparations are underway for holding third phase of local level elections in province number 2 in 8 districts for selecting representatives at 127 local bodies.