Acting Chief Election Commissioner Calls Election the Greatest Ritual in Democracy

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari stated that elections are the greatest ritual in a democratic system.

Issuing an appeal regarding the House of Representatives election taking place today, he mentioned that every single vote cast by each voter determines the form of the political system, governance, government, policy, and leadership, thus highlighting the significant role of elections.

He expressed confidence that all voters will secure their respective rights by participating in such an important ritual. His appeal also noted that participating in this ritual is also the duty of every sovereign and entitled voter.

The full text of the appeal issued by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari is presented here:

Respected Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, and Sisters

• I have faith that this snap House of Representatives Election, 2082, being held in the volatile situation developed following the rebellion of the youth on Bhadra 23 and 24, will further strengthen and mature Nepal's constitution and the federal democratic system.
• I inform you that all necessary preparations for conducting and managing the election to ensure the House of Representatives Election, 2082, is held in a clean, free, impartial, and fear-free environment have been completed.
• Voter participation and voting are most important in an election. Voting is the consent or approval given by the voter to elect a candidate, system, or side in an election. Citizens who have reached a certain age are voters according to the constitution and law, and the value of every voter's vote is equal. Therefore, voting is considered the inherent right of the voter.
• Elections are the greatest ritual in a democratic system because the form of the political system, governance, government, policy, and leadership is determined by every single vote cast by each voter in the election.
• I have faith that all voters will secure their rights by participating in this ritual. Participating in this ritual is also the duty of every sovereign and entitled voter.
• The participation of voters in any election is generally taken as the highest expression of political awareness, social responsibility, and civic engagement. Governance ownership by citizens increases only when citizens register as voters being aware and conscious of their rights and participate in the election as informed voters.
• I express my belief that everyone will provide positive cooperation and honest effort in this endeavor, as the Election Commission is firmly committed to creating an environment where the election is not influenced by any undesirable activity and is guided and operated by faith, ideology, principle, and integrity.
• I thank all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, voters, civil society, journalists, and mass media, for their cooperation and participation in election management, which has provided the Commission with further energy, encouragement, and inspiration to fulfill its role, and the Commission expects continuous support.
• Since the election is the foundation of a representative system of governance, and it is the election that grants legitimacy and assurance to the people's right to govern through the representative they choose, I heartily request all voters to be present at their respective polling centers on Thursday and vote without fear.