Third phase of local elections on stipulated date: CEC Yadav

Kathmandu / Aug. 22:The Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has said that the third phase of local level elections in province number 2 will be held on September 18 at any cost.

EC has made all the necessary arrangement to hold local level elections on stipulated date, CEC Yadav said while speaking at an interaction programme in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Speaking on a different note, Yadav said the Parliamentary and Provincial elections slated for November 26 could be held in two phases, citing technical and geographical reasons.

Yadav said that the Election Commission will be compelled to hold the elections in two phases if challenged by the nature as snow falls during the time in Himalayan region.

Keeping in mind about geographical challenges posed by the Himalayan region, the EC had proposed to hold the elections in two phases on November 20 and December 7.

He further expressed concern that EC might hold the elections on these dates if the weather condition in the Himalayan region is not favourable.

“Managing ballot papers is the biggest challenge now, however, we are prepared to hold elections on two ballot papers,” CEC Yadav clarified.

“Election Commission is not in position to hold both level elections on November 26 as aired by the political parties even if they endorse elections laws relating holding elections in four ballot papers on November 26,” Yadav claimed.

CEC Yadav also informed that the political parties have agreed to discard voting machines in the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, CEC Yadav also said that the preparations are underway for holding upcoming elections.

As per the constitutional requirement, the EC should hold all levels of elections by January 21 for the implementation of federalism and constitution in the country.