MP Padma Aryal Raises Concerns on Election Fairness and Overseas Voting

Kathmandu. CPN-UML MP Padma Aryal has stated that ensuring the fairness of elections is the main challenge at present. Speaking during the parliamentary hearing of proposed Election Commissioner Guru Prasad Wagle, MP Aryal raised questions about the complex preparations needed to make the electoral system credible and to give voting rights to Nepalis living abroad.

Expressing concern about the questions raised regarding the fairness of elections, MP Aryal said, 'The main challenge today is to conduct fair elections. How will you overcome the suspicions of financial dealings, power displays, and rigging in elections and make it truly fair? What model do you have for its management?'

After proposed commissioner Wagle mentioned the issue of giving voting rights to Nepalis living abroad in his work plan, MP Aryal questioned its practical aspects. 'The idea of conducting elections abroad sounds good, but how will its expenses be managed? From which source will the budget be raised? Also, in countries where millions of Nepalis are scattered, what kind of infrastructure will make voting possible? Do we have the technical and physical preparation for that?' Aryal said.

Aryal also raised questions about the weaknesses and practical complexities in the current election laws. She inquired about the challenges in the election laws and what plan has been brought to reform them in a timely manner. 'Elections are becoming expensive and complex due to loopholes in the law; what are your concrete points for revising this?' Aryal asked.