Proposed Election Commissioner Gurupasad Wagle Pledges Reforms

Kathmandu. Proposed Election Commissioner Gurupasad Wagle has stated that he will make Nepal's election system more clean, fair, and technology-friendly. Presenting his concept paper and action plan on Tuesday morning at the Parliamentary Hearing Committee in Singhdarbar, Wagle put forward plans for extensive reforms in election management. Wagle, who spent about 25 years in civil service, stated that he would develop the Election Commission as a modern and reliable institution.

Wagle has stated that he will take initiative to ensure voting rights for Nepali citizens living abroad. Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's order, he has put forward a plan to select and implement a suitable option among postal, proxy, or internet voting.

Wagle stated that he would advocate for the legal provision of the right for voters not to support any candidate, i.e., 'No Vote'.

To make election management hassle-free, Wagle presented plans to study the feasibility of online voter registration, biometric identification, and the future use of electronic voting machines, and to discuss these with stakeholders.

His concept is to effectively monitor the spending limits of political parties and candidates and conduct transactions through the banking system to make the increasingly expensive election system economical.

To increase voter turnout and reduce invalid votes, Wagle's action plan includes incorporating election education into the school curriculum and spreading awareness through social media. He stated that election codes of conduct would be strictly enforced.

Wagle's goal is to construct physical infrastructure in districts where the commission does not have its own building, train manpower, and enact and implement integrated laws related to elections.

Wagle stated that he would always remain committed to preserving democratic values and maintaining the impartiality of elections within the boundaries of the constitution and laws.