National Human Rights Commission Deploys Monitoring Teams Ahead of House of Representatives Election

The National Human Rights Commission has deployed monitoring teams across the country targeting the House of Representatives election scheduled for Thursday. The Commission has also appealed to all voters to participate enthusiastically in the voting process, urging for the election to be conducted in a clean, impartial, and fear-free environment.

In a press release issued by the Commission's spokesperson, Dr. Tika Ram Pokharel, it was stated that high-level teams comprising the Commission's Chairman, members, and former officials have been mobilized to monitor the elections in the Kathmandu Valley and some other districts.

The Commission mentioned that it had previously monitored the pre-election situation in various districts and drawn the attention of the Government of Nepal, the Election Commission, political parties, and stakeholders based on the facts obtained.

Stating that elections are not only an integral part of democracy but also a significant human rights issue, the Commission requested all voters to exercise their right to vote without fear. Given that the silence period has already begun, the Commission specifically urged all political parties to fully adhere to the election code of conduct and support the voting process with patience and restraint.

Furthermore, the Commission emphasized that the government must adopt necessary security precautions to make the election peaceful and human rights-friendly. 

Reminding that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the government, the Commission drew the attention of the Government of Nepal and the Election Commission to prevent any undesirable activities and stop potential incidents during the silence period. The press release mentioned that the positive role of political parties, candidates, civil society, and journalists is essential in this effort.

The Commission urged all concerned parties to ensure that essential services such as health services, ambulances, hearses, communication, water, milk, and fuel supply are not interrupted on the polling day.

Additionally, services such as transportation and air travel were requested to operate smoothly for differently-abled voters. The Commission expressed confidence that the upcoming election on Falgun 21 will be free from rigging, reliable, and human rights-friendly.