By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Jan. 19: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said that it was imperative to hold the election on the announced date to obtain a fresh mandate from public in order to ensure peace and stability and promote development in the nation.
Receiving the annual report for the year 2076/77 presented by the Election Commission as per Article 294 of the Constitution on Monday, President Bhandari said, "The preparations being made by the EC for the upcoming mid-term election are positive. I believe that the commission will be able to hold the election in a fair and impartial manner being free from all kinds of threats."
Stating that it was the duty of the EC to institutionalise democracy by means of election, the President recommended the commission to uphold the voting rights of all citizens and maintain a voter-friendly environment at the voting centres "As it is the responsibility of the commission to elect President, Vice-president, members of both the houses of the Federal Parliament and representatives of the local level, the upcoming mid-term election is not only an important responsibility, but also an opportunity for the commission."
Presenting the report to, Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya briefed the President about various works done by the commission in the year 2076/77 including updating the voters' list, registration and management of political parties and election held for the vacant position of members of the federal parliament and local levels in the year 2076, among others.