Acting Chief Election Commissioner Urges Free Campaigning Ahead of Upcoming Polls

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari has called upon political parties and candidates to conduct their election campaigning freely and without obstruction.

In a message issued today on the occasion of the Tenth Election Day, he also appealed for the creation of a suitable environment for election employees, monitors, observers, and the general voters to participate in the election in a clean, free, impartial, and peaceful manner, with the assurance of necessary security.

Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari stated, "Embracing the core mantra of clean, free, credible, transparent, and economical elections leading to peace, stability, prosperity, and good governance, I trust that the election to be held on this coming Falgun 21, in coordination, cooperation, partnership, and collaboration with all stakeholders, will bring the discipline disrupted after the rebellion onto the right track."

Nepal's first general election, the House of Representatives election, began on Falgun 7, 2015 BS, and concluded on Baisakh 21, 2016 BS. This was the first general election in Nepal conducted based on universal adult suffrage. Election Day is observed every year on Falgun 7 to commemorate the day Nepali voters were able to exercise their sovereign right.

Only 14 days remain until the voting day for the House of Representatives election, which was announced by the President following the rebellion on Bhadra 23 and 24 last year. According to Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari, this year's Election Day is special and unforgettable not only for the Commission but also for the general voters, citizens, political parties, and candidates.

He mentioned that periodic elections play a crucial role in keeping the democratic system vibrant and accountable, and that this is a natural part of the democratic process. Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari stated, "In a democratic system, it is imperative that the sentiments, expectations, and decisions of the people are expressed periodically. The mandate expressed by the general voters through their right to vote refreshes the governing system. A clean, free, and credible election is the foundation of a legitimate government."

Stating that the regular process of electing representatives through free and impartial competition makes democracy permanent, he expressed the view that candidates should present themselves based on facts and arguments during the election. "It is the election that ensures the people's ownership in governance," he said.