Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has announced that the government is making comprehensive efforts to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a safe, free, and fair manner. During a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Network for Free Election (ANFREL) on Thursday, PM Karki emphasized the robust security measures being put in place to facilitate a transparent electoral process.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the ANFREL delegation, led by Executive Director Brizza Rosales, visited Kathmandu to evaluate the election environment in Nepal. ANFREL, a network of international election observers based in Bangkok, Thailand, expressed optimism that Nepal would achieve a fair election under the leadership of PM Karki, a former judge and Chief Justice. The delegation highlighted that her extensive experience in the legal and judicial sectors would contribute positively to political reform and the safeguarding of democratic institutions in Nepal.
Prime Minister Karki acknowledged the interest shown by international observers and noted that it reflects positively on the democratic climate in the country. She reiterated that the government’s primary mandate is to conduct the March 5 elections and emphasized the critical role of civil society and observers in fostering an election-friendly environment. “Your presence has given a sense of election environment,” she remarked.
The ANFREL delegation was accompanied by members of the National Election Observers’ Committee (NEOC). They recommended that the government implement widespread voter education initiatives, especially considering the significant number of young people participating in the electoral process for the first time.
Preparations for the March 5 election to the House of Representatives (HoR) have been intensified by the government, as it aims to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process.