Election Commission Warns Observers Against Undue Influence in Upcoming Polls

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged caution, stating that organizations and individuals obtaining permission for election observation might attempt to pursue their vested interests.

Speaking at an event organized by Gorkhapatra Sansthan on Sunday, he mentioned the possibility of individuals posing as observers entering polling stations to influence the election or disrupt the voting process. He specifically urged journalists to immediately report any suspicious activities to the Commission for assistance.

Both domestic and foreign observers will participate in the upcoming elections. It has been confirmed that Chief Election Commissioners, Commissioners, and high-ranking officials from the election commissions of various countries will be arriving from foreign organizations. While the possibility of misconduct from high-ranking officials is considered low, the Commission has increased monitoring because other individuals might unnecessarily question the polling officer or cause momentary disruptions to the voting process under the guise of observation. Bhandari assured that if anyone attempts to tarnish the integrity of the election under the cover of observation, the Commission will address it immediately.

Recalling some bitter experiences from past elections, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari reminded that there is a history of observers pressuring voters to vote for or against a specific election symbol. He cited examples where some foreign organizations, after obtaining observation permits, engaged in publicity stunts to fulfill their hidden agendas, and he asserted that this would not be allowed this time. He clarified that the Commission will take seriously any 'manipulation' from any side during the election period and hold such individuals or organizations accountable.

He claimed that the election scheduled for this coming Falgun 21 is not just a regular periodic election but a means to bring the constitution, which has gone off track, back onto the right path. He placed special emphasis on the need for this election's voting to be clean, fearless, and independent for the successful implementation of the constitution. Mentioning that the general public is very eager for the election, he stated that any element attempting to disrupt this historic opportunity will be discouraged. He added that the Commission will not compromise on the security of the polling stations and adherence to the code of conduct for observation.